116 Chapter 8 - Demon (1/2)

Manifestation, a unique EXO ability that allowed the user to call upon the strength of a mythical being or creature. One that was only shown in stories, and always thought to be fantasy.

This was the power that the guardian family of the United States had. It was overwhelming strong, enough to put the ten families to shame. Strong as it was, it had a weakness. If the user did not have the capacity to summon the strength of the mythical being or creature then they'd be useless.

It caused many in the Foster family to be considered useless in the eyes of others.

While there were some things that Nick knew about this ability and the Foster family, there was so much more he did not know. His sensei taught him what she could, but she wasn't a Foster. She did not have this ability, so how could she teach him all the perks it came with?

He was running low on essence, there was little chance for him to pull off a full transformation here and use his Manifestation ability. It consumed too much of his essence, and the longer he used it the more it devoured.

For Nick, it was simpler to use his Providence ability instead, as he mastered it. It consumed less essence and let Nick read the flow of essence inside a beings body. It gave him insight he would never have otherwise.

This ability of his was easier to train and learn as he had two teachers. One being his sensei and the other his mother. Under their guidance he became skilled at using Providence.

Now as he saw Rachel and the power she had under her control, Nick felt he was lacking. She was able to control her transformation, bringing out weapons when she wanted at a lower cost of essence. Nick hated to admit it, but she was skilled.

He never knew he could do something like that with his Manifestation ability. It gave him insight into what this ability could do.

The black flames that covered his sword from before was just a part of it. He used it unconsciously, but still it was progress. If he could master this ability, then he'd be able to grow stronger.

As he looked down at the two female demonic lions, he saw the black flame slowly devouring their body.

They showed him their weak point when they pounced towards him, Nick was able to use it against them. A cut across their neck was all it took to kill them.

'Around fifteen percent left… that is enough to maintain Providence but I…'

Nick was in the midst of his thoughts as he felt something. Quickly shifting his vision he noticed that the demon ranked beast behind the house had made its move.

All the others were still fighting, but they were winning.

Charles and Celia had already taken down two female lions and were now getting ready to support the others.

Given Charles strength two Alpha's couldn't be considered too much for him to handle.

As for Rachel, she seemed to be finishing up her fight as well. Nick wanted to observe her fighting style just a bit longer but he couldn't.

The others that Thomas gave orders to weren't really struggling, but they weren't winning either. An Alpha is nothing to laugh at, it wasn't really weak but wasn't that strong either. For an average EXO user they'd be able to handle one as long as they were prepared for it.

However, this squad was made up of people who haven't used their ability in a while so it was hard on them to adjust. Nick was sure that many of them prayed they would not encounter and demonic beast while in the squad. However, things never turned out as one might think.

Nick swiftly arrived by Thomas' side.

”The male has already made his move. We should prepare to leave.”

Thomas glanced at the house the male lion was behind and shook his head.

”We've only killed five of them, we need to kill at least one more before we can try to flee. Considering the death of their comrades, they aren't willing to let us go easily.”

Nick was about to open his mouth but Thomas continued talking.

”However, we wouldn't be able to handle a Demon ranked beast with our current strength. Given our circumstances, you three youngsters should go on ahead of us.”

Nick looked at Thomas, but Thomas had his gaze focused on the area behind that house.

Thomas looked over at Nick.

”What are you waiting for? Praise? Want me to tell you i'm just buying time and we'll catch up later? This isn't some novel, the longer you wait around here the harder it will be to buy time.”

Thomas' voice was cold, but Nick understood where he was coming from.

They set out to save the lives of those who could be caught up in this demon beast invasion. Yet, they barely saved anyone.

Nick could only grit his teeth and listen to Thomas' orders.

As Nick arrived by Celia's side he felt a chill run down his spine. A black shadow moved across the ground. Nick's eyes couldn't keep up with the beast movements even when he used his ability.