Francis kept his expression neutral, though every muscle in his body stayed locked and ready.

Judging by Nathan’s calm tone and the clear lack of any real killing intent, it was obvious they didn’t come here to harm him.

’If they wanted to talk, then so be it.’ he mused to himself.

"You said organization, so what exactly are you talking about?"

Nathan smiled faintly, almost amused by the question.

"A place for people like us...The Covenant."

The two figures behind him stayed silent. One leaned against the alley wall with both hands in his pockets while the other kept watching the street behind them.

Francis said nothing. The revelation did not surprise him in the slightest.

Nathan tapped the side of his distorted arm.

"Some of us are born this way. Others awaken later. In the end, it doesn’t really matter." He slowly lowered his arm. "To normal humans, we’re all the same thing anyway."

"Monsters," Francis muttered.

Nathan’s smile widened slightly. "Exactly."

From the way they spoke, they did not know he was a parasite; instead, they thought he was just a human capable of morphing into a beast like themselves.

"So what? You get people with powers and hide together somewhere?"

Nathan laughed softly. "If only it were that simple."

His expression lost some warmth after that.

"The Covenant exists because the government oppress us for what we are." He paused, then slowly shook his head.

"No... the truth was much worst. They deny our existence because they fear us. They cannot accept that we are more evolved than them—superior in ways they could never understand."

Nathan took a slow step forward.

"And aren’t you the same? You also see humans as inferior. That’s why you hunt them down for sustenance—nothing more than food for you to grow stronger."

The silence stretched for a full minute before Francis finally spoke.

"So, you’re just going to recruit me—that’s it? And what if I refuse?"

Nathan didn’t answer immediately. He just studied him and weigh his options.

"Then we will let you be."

His tone was indifferent, like the decision cost him nothing.

"Just like that?"

"Yes." Nathan nodded. "You’ve been causing a lot of havoc in the city already. That is very beneficial to us.

But if you want to know more and uncover the secret this country is hiding... then you can join us. I promise you won’t regret it. We can offer things you won’t find anywhere else."

His words hung in the alley like a thin blade suspended in air.

Carefully, Francis weighed his options. He was curious about the Covenant too, but more importantly, he wondered if killing individuals like Nathan would grant him more points—and perhaps even rarer innate talents.

Passing up such an opportunity felt like a waste.

However, simply going along with them would be careless, and starting a fight right now against enemies with unknown strength would be even more stupid.

"I can’t decide right now. So how about this—I’ll tell you my answer in three days."

Nathan’s eyes glinted.

"Smart. So, you’re playing it safe, huh? Well, I can’t blame you. If you join us now and we end up getting taken down by the government, you’d be in a difficult situation. But if we take over this city first... then you just reap the benefits."

He tilted his head. "Sounds about right?"

"Yeah, that’s definitely my reason," Francis answered bluntly, not bothering to lie.

Nathan only smiled and shrugged in defeat. "Fair point. Alright—you can find us three days from now in the capitol. We’ll show you just how powerful the Covenant really is."

He turned away, and the other two followed.

"Wait," Francis called out. "Before you go, can I ask—are all Covenant members like us?"

Nathan shook his head. "No, not everyone. We’re rare—that’s exactly why I’m interested in getting you to join us. You’d be a valuable asset, so I hope you seriously consider my offer."

The three turned the corner, leaving Francis alone. From start to finish, they didn’t shown any hostility, which was why the entire conversation had gone smoothly.

’This world really is big,’ he thought. ’I learn something new every day.’

This revelation broadened his perspective, while also making him realize just how important it was to reach a higher category. It wasn’t just humans anymore—he would also have to deal with half-monsters.

With that in mind, he made his way back to the hotel, though every step now felt heavier.

The world around him no longer seemed ordinary; every shadow, every passing figure, carried a possibility of someone observing him.

Currently, they only believed he was a human capable of transforming into a monster. That misunderstanding protected him.

But if they ever uncovered the truth of what he really was, there would be no negotiation, no hesitation. They would come for him.

No rational person would willingly stay near a being that could slip inside their very body and take it as its own.

While lost in thought, he eventually reached his destination. He decided to rest there and only left in the evening.

By the time night settled fully over the city, the streets were unusually quiet despite it being only eight, the curfew having emptied them out.

Because of that, he chose instead to travel in his monster form.

He leapt from one rooftop to another and stopped when he spotted a skate park that had been turned into a temporary military base.

Below him, the place that used to be full of skaters was now completely changed. Bright floodlights lit up the area, making everything look harsh and cold.

Barricades were placed at the entrances, and military vehicles were parked where ramps and rails used to be.

Soldiers moved quickly around the area, holding guns and talking through radios. Some stood guard while others checked equipment and screens.

Counting them, there were over a hundred soldiers present, along with twenty military vehicles.

’Perfect.’ His eyes narrowed and his muscles brace, ready to begin the hunt.

.

.

.

Defense Force HQ

"What? Another beast attack? How? I thought the Net was working?" George grumbled over the phone.

The previous attack had already cost him three high-level agents, and now another distress signal came from the Federation.

The same beast appeared again, and this time they urgently requested reinforcement—at least ten high level special categories to contain it.

In normal times, the Federation would have enough manpower to handle it, but everything was concentrated in the capital.

Even their Special Category units in the city were recalled. It was now up to the Defense Force to handle monster-related incidents—but that was asking too much.

They didn’t have an unlimited number of high-level agents, and as for their very best, they couldn’t be deployed easily either. Most were already assigned to the central area in preparation for the Covenant’s attack.

’Covenant.’ He gritted his teeth in anger.

That terrorist group had long been a thorn in their side, but never before had they been this bold. They actually killed the president and attempted to seize control of the capital on the very same day the Net was meant to be revealed to the senate.

"Send fifteen mid-level agents from Branch 014, and five high-level agents from Branch 013. Make sure that goddamn monster is taken down—no matter what," he commanded.

After the call ended, he leaned back in his chair and let out a long tired sigh. The office was quiet, and the silence made his stress feel even heavier.

He rubbed his face with his hand, trying to clear his thoughts.

Everything was getting worse—another beast attack, bomb threats, and pressure from all sides.

To calm himself a bit, he reached for the tea on his desk. It was already cold, but he still drank it. The bitter taste helped wake him up and ease his exhaustion, even just a little.

After a few slow sips, he set the cup down and straightened in his seat.

Then the screen in his office suddenly flickered.

A figure appeared on the screen, sitting there as if it had been waiting the whole time.

George’s eyes widened slightly.

"Sir" He quickly bowed his head, all exhaustion forgotten in an instant.

(How is the mission I gave you? What is the current status?)

George quickly answered, "It’s done, sir. But things are not looking good in the city. The Covenant is—"

(I know that already. Those tainted are trying to destroy our plan to control the entire country. But they’re only buying time. In the end, we will win.)

George didn’t look convinced at all, but he didn’t dare voice his concern.

"Sir, when will you deal with the situation in the capital, and what’s the current status?"

(You don’t need to worry about that. And to make sure they don’t succeed in taking over your city, I’ve already sent one of my ’Children’ there. He is more than capable of dealing with your problems.)