The three of them waited for what felt like an eternity. They didn't stay in Jack’s office, sensing they had struck a nerve with Galdark by dismissing his offer of help. Instead, they stepped back out into the heart of the Red Wing Kingdom, hoping to pass the ti by observing the life of the pack as they usually did.
However, they quickly realized that was impossible. The atmosphere in the city had shifted entirely. The streets, once vibrant and filled with werewolves and knights training together, were eerily quiet. Hardly any pack mbers were out in the open; there was no sparring, no laughter, and none of the rowdy camaraderie that had defined the place just days ago. The weight of the curse and the political fallout had forced everyone into the shadows.
Realizing their mistake in thinking they could just "wait it out" like normal, they retreated to their quarters. The hours passed with agonizing slowness as they discussed their next moves in circles. Finally, unable to sit still any longer, they returned to Galdark.
“Ah… I’m sorry. I have so really bad news,” Galdark said, looking up from a mountain of paperwork. He hesitated before looking at them. “First, are you absolutely sure I can’t help? I don't know what impression you have of , but when I really put my mind to it, I can get issues resolved. I was the one who tracked down Lenny and Bliss, after all.”
The frustration was mounting. How could they explain to a man of this era that their very existence here was tied to a specific conversation with a specific person?
“Look, the truth is, we are planning on leaving,” Kai said, choosing his words carefully. “And before we go, we need to speak to Jack. This is why it’s so important to us. It’s a matter of finality.”
Galdark scratched his head, finally understanding why they were being so adamant. “The thing is, Jack hasn't co back yet. And I honestly don’t know when he will. I just got word that Jack left the Red Wing Kingdom entirely. He said there was sothing urgent he needed to take care of.”
The group felt a sinking feeling in their chests.
“He ntioned needing to ensure that future generations didn't have to deal with the problems we faced last night,” Galdark continued. “He wants to make sure we all learn from certain mistakes. But I have no idea where he actually went. I don’t think he’ll be gone for long, though. He wouldn't leave the pack in a ti of need like this.”
The three of them felt defeated. They were so close to the finish line, yet life, or the simulation, kept throwing hurdles in their path. They realized they might have to wait another day, or perhaps until evening. Rather than wasting ti sitting in a room, they decided to split up one last ti to tie up their own loose ends.
Gary headed straight for the Great Forge. After experiencing the power of the Warhamr and seeing the legendary artifacts used by Jack and Steve, he wanted to know more. He spoke with the master smiths, asking about the materials and the techniques used to create gear that could withstand an Alpha’s power. Deep down, he was looking for a hint, a clue as to where these items might be buried or hidden in the future. He hoped he would never need them, but if a day ca when he required armor like Jack’s, he wanted to know where to start looking.
Kai went to find Bluebird. He wanted to showcase the progress he had made with his Qi and hoped for so final pointers. Kai knew he would likely never physically match the raw power of Lupus or Gary, but he saw Bluebird’s technique as his bridge. If he could master the ability to project his intent and Qi through a blade, he could remain an extrely useful mber of the group.
Bluebird was pleased to see him and didn't hold back. He showed Kai how Qi strikes could leave the sword and, more importantly, how the strike could be ford in one’s mind before the blade even moved.
“I don’t usually do this for just anyone,” Bluebird said with a knowing look. “But I’ll show you as many tis as it takes. I get the feeling you’ll be leaving us soon, right?”
“Haha, right,” Kai answered, his eyes focused on the knight's movents. “And the enemies we have to face back ho might be even larger than what you guys have gone through.”
Lupus wandered the quieter paths of the kingdom. He didn't feel the need to say goodbye to the forge or the training grounds. He had learned what he needed to. While walking, he happened to run into Lilly. The two didn't say much, but as they passed, they stopped and bowed deeply to one another in mutual respect.
“Thank you,” Lilly said softly. “Thank you for everything you did for us, and for what you did back then in the tunnels.”
Lupus smiled, a rare, genuine expression. “Maybe... the person I find doesn’t have to be like . A non-werewolf isn't so bad,” he chuckled to himself, thinking of the Dem legacy. “Soone has to continue the family line, and I’m not sure my nephew is never going to have children at this rate.”
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the three gathered back at the main hall. The air changed. The heavy footsteps of the Alpha Hero echoed through the corridor. Jack had finally returned.
This was it. The final quest was waiting just behind the office door.
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