Chapter 52: 52

Chapter 51

"It's not camped by witches," Salt retorted calmly. His sister really likes exaggerating things, that's why watching too much dramas may affect one's judgment.

Since not much is known about Talgar, people can't help but speculate. That's what writers and directors do. They use their imagination to come up with something, and Pepper has probably watched a drama which names Talgar as one of its settings.

"Hey, I know that look! You're doubting me, aren't you? You're thinking that I've watched a drama about witches, and that references Talgar as the center of origin!"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Your words—not mine." It should be common sense that the pack wouldn't allow a newbie group like them to go to such a dangerous place if all the rumors had a proper basis.

However, rumors are just… rumors.

Without sufficient evidence, rumors are just a product of the human mind.

"You don't believe they exist?" Pepper questioned in disbelief. "That we can exist, but they can't? Our species are both supernaturals! Accepting one's existence, and denying the other—you're being selective, Salt!"

"Selective? Not quite. I didn't believe in the existence of cannibals until we met one. I believe in what I see. Everything else is just a product of imagination until they manifest right before my eyes."

"So, you don't believe in the moon goddess, Selene?" she challenged.

Salt pushed his chair backward to stand up. He was done having breakfast. "Must you paint me in a blasphemous light just to impose your beliefs on me? My point is simple. Don't give Amber a reason to get in a stew. You know how she gets."

"Where are you going?"

"Upstairs."

"Why?"

"Why do you ask? I have to make a call. It's club-related."

"And you criticize Amber for going to school on a Saturday? Really?"

"Our reasons are not the same. Anyway…" He shot her a warning look. "Don't give Amber weird ideas. I'm saying this for the sake of our squad."

"Are you seriously thinking that she will drag as through the mud? You're acting as if you're already convinced that the stories I'm about to share will get her sidetracked!"

"Not at all. Isn't she your best friend? Then, you must already be familiar with her nature. Telling her that the location is camped by witches would only increase her stress levels ten-fold. You've seen her wolf in the line of duty. This one should be easy to tell. Her wolf's instincts are exceptional. Do you get what I'm saying? Your story about witches will put her wolf on edge from the start, and she will only get distracted from the squad's main objectives." Salt sighed while looking up at the ceiling. "Why do I have to spell everything out for you?" he grumbled.

Pepper made a face. "You only have yourself to blame for overthinking! Amber isn't so stupid to believe everything I say! What if she has already heard of the rumors, too? You're nagging for nothing." She released an annoyed huff, and continued having her fill.

Her twin brother, once again, ruined the mood.

What's new?

"I'm warning you, Pep. I'll let you tell your friend all about it once the mission is over."

"Sure, whatever," she said, dismissing him. "You're being way too careful! I guess it's just your hunger to redeem ourselves with this opportunity talking. I'll keep my mouth shut, fine, but if Amber is the one who opens the topic, it's a whole different scenario! I'm talking."

Salt looked at her briefly, and when he was satisfied by the determined look on her face, he finally let it go. "Suit yourself."

As long as Amber can keep her composure until they have tasked out the mission, there's no problem. The target of his concern is her tendency to dig her own grave by working solo.

'I suppose it can't be helped because she's used to working alone.'

But that mindset should be remediated somehow.

Their squad might fall into complete disarray like it did before.

Amber is better than this. If she just works on her theoretical vision, she can turn into a real weapon.

"We'll proceed with the deliberation," Severus announced while looking over the documents that his Gamma had sent him. They still haven't heard from the assault group that was assigned to the West, and it's becoming alarming.

He requires them to send an update via courier every two days, but the squads are being unusually quiet.

That's why Brandon's interference is needed now. Severus will discuss in the meeting the emergency measures they have to take to deal with the cannibalistic village in the West swiftly.

Prolonging the mission would only put the assault group to a complete disadvantage due to their limited resources.

The enemies don't need to struggle for their wolves' daily maintenance since everything they need can just be found within their village. Meanwhile, his pack members still need to go the trouble of looking for their own food—on top of having to duke it out with such vicious creatures.

To date, they still haven't received any report of casualties.

It's crucial to know because it would at least give them an idea about the extent of battle that's going on there. Severus may have faith in his pack members, but that faith doesn't spare him from the haunting voices of apprehension.

He needs to know what exactly is happening in the West right now.

And to address that concern, mobilizing the best fit is the obvious choice.

All official pack warriors gathered at the training grounds. The meeting hall couldn't possibly accommodate their total population.

Besides, this wasn't intended to be a closed-door meeting to begin with.

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Every pack warrior has the right to information, especially if it concerns their roles—as well as the situation of their colleagues.

"I need volunteers." Severus' deep, commanding voice reverberated throughout the grounds.

Everyone stood in silence as they all waited for… context.

Volunteer?

For what?

"All of you must be aware that an assault group was sent earlier this month to take care of the situation in the West. The assault group consists of four squads in total, and each member specializes in fighting. They won't easily go down without putting up a fight."

The pack warriors threw each other a confused look.

The Alpha would never call for a meeting just to discuss what they already knew about.

They noted, however, that his voice was strained, that what he just said was just the beginning.

There were signs…

Signs of bad news.

Also, it was rare for them to not see the Beta around. For some reason, he wasn't there—he and the Delta to be exact.

"You see… I required them to keep me posted every two days, so that we could monitor their progress, as well as provide quick back-ups if needed. I'll reiterate this, so you won't get confused—the assault group is composed of professional fighters. They were handpicked, and had already shown us their abilities. They are not be underestimated."

Of course.

That's a given.

If you're a member of the assault group, it means that you're one of the strongest pack warriors in River Severn. Many have tried to enter the group, but Alpha Severus is not lowering the standards just so the team would gain more members.

It's not about doubling the numbers they currently hold.

It's about maintaining the qualifications.

After all, they always get the most dangerous jobs from the lot. These missions just can't get assigned to anyone.

Doing so is no different from asking those people to die a vain death.

"I don't really want to say this, but… unfortunately, we haven't received word from them since they departed. I won't be disclosing the particulars, but those who would volunteer to their aid may have access to the details of the top-secret mission. This work is not something that must be divulged in public, but before you all make up your minds, let me tell you one thing. It's extremely dangerous. Even if you'll just go there to confirm the safety of your fellow pack members, you can still get killed."

No…

'Eaten' is the right word.

But that would scare them off.

"Alpha, may I confirm something?"

Severus hummed. "Let's hear it."

"If it's extremely dangerous like you said… I don't understand the point in asking us to volunteer. How about the other members of the assault group who are left here? Can't they lend their assistance instead?"

"That's a sensible query; however, they will be assigned to other missions, and are to set out within this week. We can't interrupt the process for every setback we encounter. I hope you understand that." Severus glanced at Brandon from his side. "The volunteers will be led by Brandon himself. He will be the center of command if one of you and your own squad leader join the force."

"Oh, my…"

"I'm out."

"This sounds serious…"

"It's the West. It's barren and creepy. I'm done with that place."

"Alpha, can I ask another question…?"

Severus heaved a huge sigh. "Go ahead."

"Are the missions of the available members of the assault group more important than the safety of our pack members who were sent to the West?"

Silence.

'Did he seriously ask the Alpha that?'

'That's stupid…'

'Everybody is thinking that, but staying silent is the right thing to do! Is he trying to anger the Alpha? It's like making him choose…!'

Severus chuckled dangerously as he eyed the pack warrior with a faint smirk. "Alright, then. I'll send them to the West, and in return, you'll take on their missions. Do you accept?"

The man looked horrified. He quickly lowered his head.. "M-my apologies, Alpha! I… I crossed a line."

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