Mutagen

Day 364 - 6:45 PM - Northwest Fields, 38th Satellite Settlement, Muria Sacred Fortress, Mount Muria, Kudus Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

A few minutes before.

"Hmmm..." Mark nodded as they watched the battle from the base's balcony. "Looks like Ellie figured it out. The others didn't even check the weapons yet. I guess they're pretty nervous about the unexpected situation if they brought unchecked weapons to the battle. Minus a few points, I guess."

Everyone could hear Mark's mumbles. The members of his group understood what he was saying as they were involved in the creation of the weapons Mark gave the leaders of the Moon Chasers. On the other hand, General Wijaya and his Secretary could only look at him in askance.

The weapons Mark gave Edge and the others were more or less imitation magic weapons. These weapons needed to be bound by blood to activate, attuning the weapons to the blood and magical energy the owner had. With this method, the weapon would be able to freely function using both an internal power source and the owner's magical energy. Well, the magical energy of the leaders of the Moon Chasers was practically nil. However, it did not mean that they did not have any, and there was also the possibility for them to increase their magical capacity in this new apocalyptic world.

Furthermore, the new weapons had experimental functions. These were [Knowledge Impartment], [Telepathic Recording], [Magic Enhancement], [Voice Command], and [Elemental Enchantment Switch].

[Knowledge Impartment] was just what it meant. It was to instantly channel information about the basic functions of the weapon to its owner. It worked alongside [Telepathic Recording], where Mark asked Mei and the girls to record the non-basic instructions that would be telepathically transmitted to the owner of the magic weapon after it activated. These two functions would allow Edge and the others to be able to use the new weapons without the need to practice.

[Magic Enhancement] was another new thing Mark was testing. It was to enhance the weapon wielder's physical abilities when the weapon was activated. A buff of sorts in game terms. What it buffs varies on each weapon. Edge would have enhanced strength and endurance, Ellie would gain strength and agility, Nelia and Limabela would have higher eye reflexes and enhanced eyesight, and Bajing would gain higher body reflexes and speed.

Of course, [Magic Enhancement] was not an almightly thing. It only buffs to a certain degree above the wielder's original abilities to prevent overfatigue and other over-exertion-related injuries. It would also have other mild effects as magical energy had to flow through their bodies.

[Voice Command] was something Mark was focused on, compared to the other things. Just like in anime, it would be cool to be able to shout attacks. It would not be practical in most fights, but Mark was an Otaku in the first place. Besides, it could be used in other things if Mark succeeded in perfecting the function.

Lastly, [Elemental Enchantment Switch]. It was to channel magical energy into different elements. It would allow different elemental enchantments on the weapons. Not only that, but also multiple enchantments on single attacks. It was not something the weapons of Mark's group currently had. Their weapons are mostly single-enchanted, aside from the weapon Mark made with the Elder Blacksmith in Japan.

All these new functions were not perfected yet. They were usable in battles, but there was still a lot to work on. In any case, Mark giving these functions to the weapons of the Moon Chasers allowed him to experiment while enhancing his craftsmanship.

"Hah..." Mark sighed. Unfortunately, he could not watch the Moon Chasers use their weapons. It would definitely serve as a good reference.

Without warning, Mark opened his storage space once again. This time, he took out a laptop he personally customized and a [Mechid]-like toy.

Seeing the items, Mark's daughters immediately approached. They knew what these items would be used for together.

"I'll make it fly!"

Miracle immediately volunteered.

"Sorry, but Iola will do it this time," Mark patted Miracle's head and turned to Iola. "I need to get a good recording of the battle. You're the best in this one."

"Okay. I'll do it."

Iola nodded as Mark handed the laptop to her.

Of course, the other two were sulking, although they could only follow Iola as they set up at the nearby table. They also did not forget to get Amisha with them, who had sparkling eyes as she looked at the items.

The little girls did not notice, but Mark taking out the [Mechid Drone] to record the battle meant he could not watch it personally.

"Enemies?"

Mei asked Mark.

"Three groups. All [Face Wearers] at the same strength or higher as the one Miracle fought in the market," Mark nodded and explained. "Three on the north, four on the south, and six outside the gates." Mark then turned to everyone to assign the tasks.

"I'll handle the ones on the gates. Feng Zhiruo, you handle the four to the south," Unexpectedly, Mark turned to Hannah and Annica. "You two handle the three to the north."

"Brother? Just the two of us?"

Annica was suddenly nervous.

"What's your ability again?" Mark flicked the girl's forehead. "Take all the pets with you and connect with them. You only need to command them from the back like a Pokemon trainer."

Annica covered her painful forehead as she nodded. What Mark said meant he was lending him the pets, including Chaflar. With the dragon alone, they would be invincible.

"Don't be too careless. That's why Hannah needed to come with you. The [Face Wearers] you will face might have uncanny abilities." Mark then turned to Hannah from Annica. "Your job is mostly protecting her, but you should support when you can."

"Yes."

Hannah nodded without complaints or questions. Just like her Aunt Odelina, Hannah was from the lineage of servants who would not question their masters.

"Feng Zhiruo," Mark turned to the Chinese Cultivator. "Just kill them all and be careful."

"No problem."

Feng Zhiruo nodded. Taking the lives of monsters would not be hard for a Cultivator like her, especially now.

"Mei'er," Mark then turned to his wife. "Just in case, fly up to the sky. If something unexpected happens, give support."

Mei nodded without a word. She knew her job as the sniper.

"As for the rest, just stay here and protect the place."

Mark turned to the rest of the group.

Emika was a little disappointed that she could not join the fun, but protecting the place was not a bad job for her. Spera was used to being on standby, so she had no problem with the task. As for Amihan, she wanted to come with Mark. However, he told her to protect the little girls instead, especially Amisha.

It was because at least one of the three groups would clearly aim for her.

"Sir Mark," At this time, General Wijaya stepped up. "We could be of assistance."

The General could not just stand by watching.

However, Mark shook his head.

"Stay here with the initial arrangement. Support the Moon Chasers if they needed," Mark said before mentioning the harsh truth. "Besides, I doubt the fifty soldiers you have right now would be of help against the stronger [Face Wearers]."

General Wijaya sighed. He was a little disappointed by the truth. Looking at Mark, he could only nod. He might be a high-ranking soldier, but in this battle, he could only wait for other's instructions.

With the arrangement done, the members of Mark's group moved.

The guard left to guard the settlement and could only stand surprised as the members of Mark's group jumped out of the settlement walls. The most surprising would be Annica and Hannah, who both came out while being escorted by Chaflar, the [Ground Hunter], and Laelaps.

Seeing them try to jump out, the guard tried to stop them, knowing it was dangerous outside in the current situation. However, the guards found out their legs would not move at all. They could only watch in confusion and fear as Feng Zhiruo, Annica, and Hannah left for their respective destinations.

The only one who did not leave the walls was Mark, who stood atop the walls above the entrance gate of the 38th Sattelite Settlement.

Contrary to the guards who saw the other three, the guards near Mark were properly informed of the incoming enemies. To the three women, having the guards follow them would be nothing but a nuisance. Annica and Hannah had no way to protect them, while Feng Zhiruo was alone handling four enemies.

As for Mark's side, there was a wall for the guards to hide behind, and Mark had the strength to protect them if needed.

Standing on the walls, Mark and the guards waited. All of a sudden, a clump of black mist formed atop Mark before plopping on his head.

"You've been out for almost a week. Did you have fun? And what did you eat? You became much bigger."

Mark said in a reprimanding tone as he poked Crimson on his head.

That was right. Crimson finally returned after several days of absence after tailing the impostor of the man named Wahyu. If not for his connection with the [Blood Child], Mark would think something bad happened to him. However, Crimson was fine and returned now.

Why did Crimson return now?

Mark's eyes focused on the incoming silhouettes from the distance. Among the six silhouettes, one was familiar.

It was the very same impostor of Wahyu. However, unlike their previous encounter, this [Face Wearer] was much stronger now.

The enemies also noticed Mark and the guards atop the walls. There was no doubt they were frustrated to see the infiltration fail before it could even start.

Without waiting for the enemies to get closer to the gate, Mark jumped off the wall and walked closer to them.

Six enemies. Mark stared at them intently.

All of them shared the coal-like skin color, with tribal garments adorned with gold ornaments. They wore golden crowns of different shapes and patterns.

The leader of the group was a muscular-looking [Face Wearer]. Next to him was a fat one. Two had a thin body. The next one was extremely skinny to the point of skin and bones. Then, there was Wahyu's impostor, who appeared to be the most normal-looking among them.

"Hey, it's been a while!"

Mark waved at Wahyu's impostor in a friendly manner.

That interaction made the rest of the enemies turn to Wahyu's impostor in suspicion.

"Don't look at me like that," Wahyu's impostor responded to the stares. "That's the man who saw through my disguise."

Hearing those words, the leader of the group turned to Mark.

"The unknown variable," The leader said. Then, things became easier for us."

"KILL!"

The leader roared.

Mark heard the shout. He nodded as he recorded the mental fluctuation that meant anger.

With a smile, Mark stretched his hand to the side. Ignis appeared out of his private space and let Mark grab his handle.

The sudden emergence of the sword surprised the attacking [Face Wearers]. This emotional fluctuation was recorded by Mark, too.

Despite the surprise they had from seeing Mark's weapon, the [Face Wearers] did not stop their attack.

The leader charged at the center. The two thin ones ran on opposite sides, faster than everyone else. Wahyu's impostor charged behind the leader. On the other hand, the fat one and the skinny one stood behind everyone.

The group ran so fast that their figures turned into blurs. In the darkness of the night, their skin color basically made them invisible.

The guards atop the walls only saw four of the enemies vanish. None of them could keep up with the speed of the [Face Wearers].

However...

CLANG!

Mark moved Ignis above his right shoulder. In that move, he blocked the arm of the thin one charging to his right. The arm turned into a long spear that tried to stab his head off. However, the attack was to no avail.

Without any sign of effort, Mark moved Ignis, causing the first attacker to stagger backward. He then moved Ignis to his left flank, blocking an attack from the other thin one.

The leader came next, with his arms inflated with muscles, trying to punch Mark into meatpaste.

However, after blocking the second attack, Mark pulled Ignis backward, causing the handle to block the incoming punch. The second punch arrived. Mark moved, spinning counter-clockwise to his right, causing the first punch to collide with the other.

In that set of moves Mark performed, he caused the leader to stagger as he ran past Mark before falling to the ground.

Seeing the three fail their attacks, Wahyu's impostor slowed down and hesitated.

It was when a ball of acid flew over Wahyu's impostor, followed by a bone spear. Both of which were aimed at Mark.

However, Mark raised Ignis' blade in front of his face, causing the oriental-looking sword to release a faint greenish glow.

Then, Mark waved the sword at the incoming ball of acid and bone spear. A blade of wind shot forward, obliterating the two attacks instantly. The ball of acid exploded and rained to the ground while the half-cut bone spear fell as it lost momentum.

Silence.

Mark stood in the middle of the enemies, barely moving from his initial position.

The [Face Wearers] realized faster than most Chinese novel villains. The man before them was no mere nobody.