Chapter 4. Scheme

Maximus emerged from his hiding spot, his eyes fixed intently on Golden.

"Golden, what's going on? What are these Everlong gates the Oracle spoke of?"

Golden's expression turned grave, his eyes clouding with concern.

"Maximus, the Everlong gates are a portal to unknown dimensions. It's guarded by two huge obsidian black gates, and the beings in these dimensions... they're far more powerful than us."

Maximus's brow furrowed, his mind racing with questions.

"Unknown dimensions? What do you mean? And why are these beings so powerful?"

Golden hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully.

"The dimensions beyond the Everlong gates are realms of immense energy and magic. The beings that inhabit them are ancient and wise, with powers beyond our understanding."

Maximus's eyes widened, his imagination running wild with the possibilities.

"And Marcus wants to open this portal? Why? What could he possibly gain from unleashing such power?"

Golden's voice dropped to a whisper, his words laced with urgency.

"He believes that by unleashing these beings, he can gain the power to destroy you and take the Alpha position. But he's playing with fire, Maximus. If he succeeds, it won't just be you he'll destroy – it'll be our entire world. Our pack, our home, everything we hold dear."

Maximus's heart raced, his thoughts racing with the danger that loomed ahead. He felt a surge of determination, his resolve hardening like steel.

"I won't let that happen, Golden. I'll stop Marcus, no matter what it takes."

Golden's eyes locked onto his, a fierce loyalty burning in their depths.

"I'll stand by you, Maximus. Together, we'll face whatever lies ahead."

Maximus nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over him.

"Thank you, Golden. Let's gather the pack and prepare for battle. We'll show Marcus that we won't be intimidated."

Golden's expression turned serious.

"Maximus, we need to get you trained in self-defense. I've found a martial arts dojo that'll teach you the basics of hand-to-hand combat."

Maximus nodded, his mind already racing with the possibilities.

"I'm in, but I have one condition: I get to choose my own weapons when it comes to weapons training."

Golden raised an eyebrow.

"What makes you think you're ready for weapons training?"

Maximus's eyes flashed with determination.

"I may not know much about fighting, but I know I'm quick and agile. And I have a feeling that I'll need more than just my fists to take down Marcus and his minions."

Golden studied him for a moment before nodding.

"Alright, deal. But first, we need to focus on getting you trained in the basics. No weapons until you've proven yourself capable of handling them."

Maximus grinned, feeling a surge of excitement.

"Thanks, Golden. I won't let you down."

But Golden's expression turned somber.

"There's something else, Maximus. You'll have to stop schooling."

Maximus's face fell, his heart sinking. Leaving school meant leaving Loveth, how could he do that to her!.. to himself!

"What? No way! I can't just drop out of school."

Golden's voice was firm but gentle.

"Maximus, you're in danger. You can't keep going to school and putting yourself at risk. It's too dangerous."

Maximus shook his head, his mind racing with arguments. "But I can't just give up on my education. I need to keep learning, for myself and for my future."

Golden sighed, his eyes softening.

"I understand, Maximus. But we can't compromise on this. It's too risky."

Maximus's face set in determination.

"Then let's find a compromise. I'll go to school in the morning, and then come to the dojo in the evening. That way, I can keep learning and still get the training I need."

Golden studied him for a long moment before nodding.

"Alright, Maximus. You've got a deal."

*

Meanwhile, inside a huge mansion, in the bustling city of Silbare, a city occupied only by werewolves and beastmen, a meeting was going on.

Seated around a round table were burly handsome men and slender beautiful women, all dressed in red flowing robes with a sphere shape embroidered on the shoulder.

A handsome young man with adequate muscles sat at the biggest chair, he had this air of royal arrogance around him. This man was Marcus.

Marcus's eyes gleamed with ambition as he addressed the gathered members of the Blood Moon pack.

"Brothers and sisters, the time has come for us to take our rightful place as the rulers of this land. And the key to our victory lies beyond the Everlong gates."

Raze, his second-in-command, snarled.

"The gates are guarded by powerful entities, Marcus. How do you plan to get past them?"

Marcus's smile grew wider.

"We won't be going through the gates ourselves. We'll be releasing a celestial being from beyond them. A being that all other celestials fear."

Zephyr, a burly werewolf, raised an eyebrow.

"What being could possibly inspire such fear?"

Marcus's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"The Vengeance god, Black Heart. With Black Heart on our side, nothing can stop us from taking the Alpha position and dominating this land."

The pack members exchanged nervous glances, but Marcus's enthusiasm was infectious. Soon, they were all brainstorming ways to release Black Heart from beyond the Everlong gates.

Raze suggested using dark magic to break the gates' seals, while Zephyr proposed using their collective strength to force the gates open. But Marcus knew that neither approach would work.

"We need something more...persuasive," he said, his eyes gleaming with calculation.

"Something that will convince Black Heart to join our cause."

After moments of silence, a soft voice spoke up.

"I think I know what might persuade Black Heart, Marcus."

All eyes turned to Lyra, a quiet and reserved pack member.

"What is it, Lyra?" Marcus asked, his curiosity piqued.

Lyra hesitated before speaking.

"I've studied the ancient lore of the celestials. And I believe that Black Heart has a weakness...a weakness that we can exploit to our advantage."

Marcus leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Tell me more."

And with that, the pack's plan was set in motion, their fate and the fate of the land hanging precariously in the balance.