6.23.

Beastkins can be separated into three main categories. Alpha, beta and omegas. Alphas, as the name suggests, are beastkins who seek to become the dominant force in the relationship. Omegas on the other hand, are those that seek to be dominated.

In between those two, beta, are neutral beastkins who possess neither the instinct to dominate, nor to be dominated. That said, beastkins that are of this beta category are more likely to collude with humans as they don’t have these possessive instincts that typically chastise people. They’re much more stable and rational in their judgment.

Hence, it was a common occurrence for beta beastkins to leave their tribe.

Linton’s situation was a little special. He was born between a demon and beastkin. He, unlike his sister Linzy, didn’t possess many of the traits of a demon and took after his mother’s appearance more than he did his father.

This fact garnered the attention of the alpha of alphas, Dianne.

Not wanting to become Dianne’s ‘omega’, Linton’s parents sent him off to the academy in Rika Nation with his sister. They would be somewhat protected from her in the human empire.

Meanwhile, the two couples eloped to the demon empire. They were demons, and unlike beastkins, were less a race less accepted by the human empire.

Linzy was underaged, and her primary education was incomplete so she had no choice but to attend tuition classes. The plan was for them both to stay together until they graduated, from there, he would try to search for his parents who had told him they would most likely be somewhere in the demon empire.

However, in the midst of his studies, his sister Linzy was kidnapped. And that was how they met with the hero.

Linton had no plans of returning to Dianne territory, however, when news arrived that his parents were suddenly imprisoned, he couldn’t stay put.

Requesting help from the hero, he wanted to finally end this predicament.

Hence the situation now.

Seated before Linton and Linzy was Linux, who had a bright smile on her face.

Shiro, Iona and Matilda overseeing the situation, ready to act should any of them make a move.

“Let’s get this straight. If I become Great Lady Dianne’s, she’ll release my parents?” Linton said with a furrowed brow.

“If you do, she’ll ensure that they live a life of luxury.”

Luxury was the least of his worries. What was the point of that at the expense of freedom?

Lady Dianne already had at least twenty omegas underneath her, to add a beta on top of that.. complete insanity. What kind of life would Linton live in that castle? It was ridiculous to say the least.

“Are there any other methods?”

“Yes, if you win the game– but if it were me, I wouldn’t count on that though” Linux leaned forward, her big chest pressed against the table seemed to deform, “Don’t worry. She has everything prepared for your arrival. No matter how you struggle, no matter how many companions you bring, be it the hero or otherwise, she will make sure your everything becomes hers.. how amazing is that..”

Linux’s face slackened, almost drooling just imagining the kind of torture Linton would suffer in bed. Linux was one of said ‘omegas’ which served Great Lady Dianne in both flesh and soul. So she couldn’t help being jealous that the Great Lady Dianne would go to such an extent just to own him. She wished she could be in his position.. it would be like a dream come true.

On the other hand, Linton was absolutely disgusted.

“So the rules of the game, if we’re able to bring Linton’s parents out without being captured, we win, isn’t that right?” Shiro said.

“Don’t expect things to go your way. The Great Lady Dianne is already aware of it. She will not go down easily, your demise is guaranteed,” Linux said with a proud grin.

“We’ll see about that,” Matilda frowned.

‘Sounds like the typical isekai story development to me..’

Shiro heaved a sigh.

It was him against a whole nation.

The unofficial proposed ‘game’ is simple. Find and bring Linton’s parents out of prison and run away. Of course, it was reckless for someone like himself, even if he were a ‘hero’ to go against an entire army. But what choice did he have?

If possible, Shiro wanted to reconcile the situation peacefully. The ‘game’ would begin only when negotiations don’t work.

Reese would be a key player in ensuring this operation goes well.

But..

“What.. did you say..?” Shiro looked at Sequencee with her mouth agape.

“What? Did you need Reese for anything?”

“Fuck..? Really? She stayed back? Why?!” Risa cursed.

‘The hell..? I didn’t know she was needed in their plan..’

Risa tore at her hair, wracking her mind hard in order to come up with a solution to this.

She didn’t expect Sequencee would be coming alone. If Schwii and Leticia wasn’t here, it’d be fine, but Reese, whose abilities made infiltration a joke? A team member like that was critical for this rescue mission.

“What should we do.. what should we do..”

“Uh..”

“It’s too late now ugh..” Shiro shook his head.

“This is ridiculous,” Matilda grabbed her forehead.

Iona meanwhile, remained silent throughout.

‘Fuck.. I messed up didn’t I?’

“Let’s take it as a lesson to not hide anything from each other next time around,” Matilda reasoned.

“But we didn’t?” Shiro retorted.

“Was he aware of the rationale behind your plans to begin with? All he had to work with was the schedule and members.”

“...”

“It’ll be fine. We should expect the inevitable. Here we have two options available. One is to travel back to Estia and pick her up, the second option is to use whatever members we have and make up for it.”

“You’re right. Sorry,” Shiro lowered his head in Sequencee’s direction.

“It’s my bad.. I didn’t know Reese was part of the plan..”

“We need someone who fills in the role of searching the castle without arousing suspicion.”

“I can manage.”

“To begin with, Iona functions as the main DPS,” Risa said.

“What’s DPS?”

“Damage per second,” Shiro answered matter of factly.

“What in the world is that?” Linton wasn’t getting it, neither was everyone else.

“Stop with the jargons,” Matilda pinched the space between her eyes.

“The main attacker, okay? She’s the strongest of all of us here.”

“Then why not just let Sequencee fill in that role? If you think about it, there are less people to protect, since Leticia, Schwii and Reese aren’t here,” Linton reasoned.

“That makes sense,” Shiro nodded.

“Noisy..” Linzy pushed her ears down and snuggled up to Shiro. Risa eyed her dangerously.

“That would still result in a decrease in overall defense coverage,” Matilda reasoned.

“In the first place, plans don’t go as expected. Less people means more flexibility,” Iona gave her input, “I believe Sequencee is qualified to take on my role.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Risa said.

“Me neither,” Shiro said.

“Then is that the shift we’re going for?”

“Most likely..”

“Sequencee, say something,” Linton beckoned.

“Um.. yeah, I have something else I need to tell you. I’m not sure how useful this is in your plans but..”

Sequencee extended his arms.

A grim black spear appeared before everyone.

“I’m much stronger now than I was before.”