"Yes, they're targeting children who've been transformed into adults. These children have, for the most part, fully functioning minds. However, their lack of life experience and maturity makes them vulnerable to predators like the Unwoke. In a way, their minds remain those of children, despite being fully developed. It seems the Unwoke have a way to find the children, and they've been increasing their numbers."

  "We're aware." Maeve sighed and informed the Rangers about the situation in Cleveland, explaining that several groups were prioritizing the stopping of the Unwoke.

  "I see. Yet, these monsters haven't expanded their territory north. They only raid your land, not conquer it. It seems they have a different object against you as they do us." Brock added, "We're happy to enter an alliance with you. What's your group's name?"

  Maeve looked sheepish before Paige loudly yelled, "The Cucks and Cunts are at your service!" Giving Brock a salute and a wink.

  Awkward silence fell on them in the forest before Brock broke the silence, "Right…"

  A red-faced Maeve got the conversation back on track, "We'd love to transport some of you to the groups in Cleveland. Maybe we could organize an assault. Also, we can't take all these trucks. But we do want the one with the turret."

  "We'll hold onto the trucks then. Thank you for helping make the Cuyahoga Valley safe today."

  Brock and Maeve shook hands before agreeing to bring one of the Rangers back with them to speak on the Rangers' behalf.

  The group could finally take a breath. Their mission went sideways as soon as they fell into the Unwoke trap, but they managed to escape and make new allies along the way. The thing about having a super evil group being aggressive to everyone around them is that it gives everyone a common enemy. Everyone, except for Paige, was in the delivery truck with the mounted turret when Adrian went over his gains.

  Hue: Level 15(+3 level gain)

  Race: Human

  AI: Dude- Processing Power(Dormant)

  Class: Anime Enthusiast

  Attunement: Gravity

  Strength- 15

  Dexterity- 56(+4 point gain)

  Wisdom- 15

  Stamina- 22

  Constitution- 22(+2 point gain)

  Free points: 9

  One skill point available. Would you like to learn a new skill? [Y] [N]

  Fuck yeah.

  New skills are always welcome, and they will be needed for the fights to come. Adrian pulled up his options:

  Hidden Dragon Technique #1

  Dragon's Breath

  Substitution Jutsu

  Pulse Step

  Repulsion Barrier

  "Description"

  "There isn't enough power to load a description. Please continue to do my biddi-, I mean complete quests while gaining levels, and the descriptions will appear soon enough."

  "I think Earth got a knock-off version of AI. Who the fuck made this piece of shit?"

  "Chen did." Someone mindlessly said.

  "Fuck Chen," Adrian grumbled. He didn't know what move he wanted. Adrian felt he needed stronger attacks, but didn't know what the hell any of these moves did. "Hey, shinobi brother," Adrian got Dusky's attention, "Can you help me choose a new skill?" Dusky's eyes went wide before he quickly nodded,

  "It would be an honor to help a brother choose his next skill." Dusky then bowed before hearing the names of the options.

  "If you're looking for an attack, technique #1 or Dragon's Breath is your choice. However, Pulse Step sounds sick. We could do some great combos together!"

  Adrian didn't know anything about what the hidden technique did, so he went with the name that was the most straightforward.

  You have selected Dragon's Breath. Congrats, Hue!

  The move sounded very Sasuke-like, and Adrian loved that. He will have to wait until they get back to try it out. He allocated his stat points, trying to have his other stats keep pace with his dexterity. He looked through his loot as well, seeing if there was anything useful or any clues about the Unwoke.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Paige was still shooting her shot with Brock before Maeve yelled at her to get in the truck.

  "We need to figure out each other's skills. We fight well, but knowing each other's abilities will help if we ever fight anything above level five." Adrian said. He didn't like all the needless surprises on the battlefield. It was unnecessary risk.

  Maeve concurred. She knew they hadn't fought anything high-level. At least not directly.

  How did they know we were there, and how did all those people turn their heads at the same time?

  A question that needed an answer.

  "We'll find time to train. We can set up a training hall somewhere on the block. It's just been hectic."

  "Yes, we've made a lot of allies. A lot of enemies. Now I need to make friends at the bar." Brody said. He's been fine with not doing the heavy lifting in the fighting.

  "Dusky, were you driving the truck and mounting the turret at the same time?" Adrian asked.

  Dusky smiled and did a quick hand signal and yelled, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" and a clone of Dusky appeared next to him. He looked identical in every way. "This is one of my new abilities. I can make physical copies of myself! My power drops slightly when I do this, but it came in handy today."

  "And then I used my mist magic on him to make it look like there were 10 of him. We confused the shit out of those guys."

  "And we'll need to continue to confuse our enemies. Distractions, smoke and mirrors, strikes from the shadows, you name it. We'll keep killing when the enemy isn't ready." Maeve added.

  "Aye, Aye, captain!" Paige saluted her captain, like a good subordinate.

  Adrian was deep in thought. His team was not because of an underhanded skillset, but because they were starting to gel, and they were fine killing bad guys. None of them were killers a mere month ago, yet now that has changed.

  It's never too late to change your life. You, too, can become a stone-cold killer with the right magical powers!

  "Are all the groups like you guys up north?" Levi asked.

  "Nope, none are as cool as we are."

  The newcomer was curious about the situation up north, though he knew more than he let on. His name's Levi, and his power is controlling animals.

  The group made their way back to the Dragonspit, where the town had vastly grown again. It was becoming a top hub in Cleveland, where all the factions would congregate for shared knowledge and trade. It was impressive how fast it was growing. Adrian didn't even know who was making this happen. He rarely spoke to people outside the Dragonspit, but he didn't mind the additional foot traffic.

  They noticed a street that was abandoned when it was left was now one of the busiest in the area. The buildings are now filled with life, each with a flag outside, likely representing the different groups in the area.

  "So, our little slice of paradise will be shared by everyone. Fuck them, this was our spot."

  "It's a perfect cover as long as they don't kick us out. I don't think Rolo would do that, but he can probably be easily swayed with enough aggression. Let's make sure our place in this town is bulletproof."

  The Dragonspit changed again, now utilizing the 2nd floor for operations and expanding further to the surrounding buildings. Rolo was in conversation with customers, while Organic looked bored on her stoop. Adrian walked up to Organic,

  "Looks like you've grown again, big guy."

  "I'm a woman, Hue. Just what I'd expect from such a toxic group. There's just a bad vibe; your group should be more positive. Good vibes only around me." The pompous baby dragon looked away with contempt.

  "You can talk?" Levi exclaimed, curious about the magical creature.

  "yOu CaN tALk? Gods, you sound dumb. I'm a fucking dragon. Of course, I can talk."

  Adrian couldn't get away from the pretentious dragon fast enough. Adrian and Maeve made it to Rolo, who gently smiled at the two, "Welcome back. I'm glad to see you safe and shining in these halls once more."

  "As graceful as always, Rolo. We have a question for you. Well- I guess it's more of a request."

  "I may be able to help with that." The man next to Rolo said, "I'm Maurice, Administrator of the Harmony District."

  "This is the man creating paradise. A place of peace and harmony for all." Rolo said. "It's been a pleasure to see the brewery grow with the rest of the district."

  "Indeed." Maurice nodded, "Now, how can I help the daggers in the night?"

  "The daggers in the what?"

  Maurice chuckled, "The vigilantes who slay evil."

  "Is that what people are calling us? Don't they know our group has an official name?" Paige said.

  "Our goal is peace. We are okay with a separate group getting their hands dirty for the sake of everyone else. You have sanctuary here. I promise." Maurice said with composure, hands behind his back. "This place will become central to the new world. Neutral where violence is outlawed inside its territory, so real conflict-resolution can happen. A genuine exchange of goods and services can occur. Real growth and prosperity can happen." Maurice can see the looks on Maeve and Adrian's faces and continues, "Now, what is this request of yours?"

  "We need a training area. An area that is discrete and capable of taking a beating."

  "Ah, a practical request. Something that's already in the works. We can accommodate this request. Give us some time and we'll get back to you."

  "Wow, just like that?"

  "It is a request that could help more than just your group. Of course, we'll consider it."

  Adrian and Maeve learned a great deal from talking to Maurice and Rolo. All the prominent groups in the Cleveland area made contact, and the 'Harmony District' established friendly relations with them all. It has indeed become the neutral center for the region. The groups include the Swords of Ontario Street, the Ivory Crucible, the Conclave of Cleveland, Life's Cycle, Mason's Promise, and other smaller groups. The groups formed the Cleveland Alliance. Maurice frowned for a second,

  "There is a caveat here, Adrian. While we're able to keep your residence inside the Harmony District, we request that your group not join the Cleveland Alliance. Well… at least not officially."

  "I see. You want us to continue to do the dirty work and not have it come back on you."

  "Precisely." Maurice said without shame.

  It made more sense why they were willing to set up a training hall for them. They needed the Cucks and Cunts to fill a role. A thankless and dangerous role. A role they wanted to play.

  "Let's be clear, we won't be working for you. We'll be fully independent of your Alliance and won't need to adhere to any rules you set. Our business relationship will be transactional." Maeve said, stepping into the conversation.

  "Of course. You'll be more like a mercenary group than anything." Maeve nodded at that. It was clear to Adrian that she liked the idea of being a mercenary. Hell, Adrian thought it sounded badass.

  Maeve had a sinister look when she walked towards Maurice and put a hand on his shoulder, "Now… let's negotiate the terms."

  Maurice visibly gulped.

  "We will be willing to take on the dirty work, but we'll want more resources from you than just the training hall. We will also discuss compensation on a per-job basis and reserve the right to decline any request. We also want a seat at the table, even if it isn't an official one." Maeve put her arm around Maurice, "Now let's talk about this in detail."

  Negotiations were something Adrian never enjoyed, and he was glad Maeve was taking the lead. He wondered what Maeve would be able to negotiate for their group.