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.

Everyone knew there was a difference between an Alpha ranked beast and a Demon ranked one. However, was the difference that big?

Nick assumed things wouldn’t be that different. Afterall, he’s seen an Alpha before and had no problem against it. This was the first time he’s witnessed a Demon ranked beast, but even with his essence almost depleted he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep up with its speed. He might manage if he released his limiter, but if he did that he’d just be buying himself time.

He could only use his full power for a short amount of time.

The beast stopped in front of a group of people, only a short distance away from Nick and Celia. Everyone could see it plain as day.

‘I was wrong?’

That was the first thought that came to Nick’s mind.

It had a long slender body that showed off its tight muscles. Jet black fur that glistened and silver eyes. It was taller than all the other female demonic lions here, but it was releasing an overbearing aura.

The female demonic lions seeing this creature stopped their attacks and ran over to its side.

Thomas grinned and shook his head.

“Of course I forgot. How could I forget something so simple.”

“In a pack there is always the male, who sits on the throne. However, the one with the second most authority is his mate, the one who acts as the queen. How could I overlook something like this?”

Thomas started to beat himself up as he was surprised.

The one in front of them was a Demon ranked beast, and a high one at that. There was no way it would allow them to escape.

While everyone was focused on the new female lion that joined, a loud crash sounded out.

The ground behind Thomas was crushed as dust rose into the air. As the dust started to settle, fear could be seen in the eyes of Nick’s squad.

It stood on its hind legs with thick silver chains wrapped around its golden fur. It had muscles like a bodybuilder, but it was clearly a lion with its golden mane.

The king has arrived on the field of battle as its red eyes glared down at Thomas.

The muscles tightened all across its body as it let out a herocious roar that put weight on everyone's body. Making it feel as if they were being held down by a heavy anchor.

Nick felt it as he gritted his teeth, refusing to bow. He was using all the strength in his body to stay up. There was no time for him to see how the others were handling it, but there was no need to. Nick already knew, they were bowing down against their will to this beast.

The higher the rank of a demonic beast, the more human liked they looked. From beast to man, that’s what the world thought of them.

The female still looked like a lion, but this male already stood tall like a human and had muscles like one. Even if Nick couldn’t read its power rating, he knew it had the strength of a Demon General or higher.

Nick coughed blood as he continued to struggle, the insides of his body felt as if they were being ripped apart.

“Charles.”

“Yes, milady?”

Nick slowly turned his head to the side and saw how Celia and Charles were still fine even under the weight of this pressure. He had no clue how they were still standing.

Celia bit her thumb causing it to bleed a little.

“I Celia J. Harper, Lord of the sixth hereby grant you Charles Dror’eth permission to release your seal.”

Charles kneeled in front of Celia as she put blood on her lips like lipstick. She grabbed his face and leaned forward as she kissed him on the forehead.

As her lips touched his forehead, chains that seemed to chain Charles down to the ground appeared. They were wrapped around his body so tightly it was hard to imagine how he was able to move before.

Those chains slowly started to fall as a burst of essence was released from Charles body. He and Celia were covered in a ray of light.

‘What are you?’

‘Since you are going to marry lady Celia, I can tell you. I’m a demon.’