Even if the wolf was able to regenerate the external injuries it was hard to cope up with the broken bones, by the thrashing received by the spear. And regenerating a lot was also making it fatigued. Its senses had also dulled compared to before.

This time instead of just thrusting the spear Rubia threw it at the wolf. The wolf dodged it and rolled sideways but by the time it noticed Rubia, who was standing a few yards away from it and rushed at inhuman speed and was now standing in front of him, a sword was already approaching its neck. It quickly dodged but a large slash had already appeared on its side.

In order to continue applying pressure Rubia even threw the sword at the wolf when it moved away. This time unluckily the sword did not even touch the wolf. Looking at the unarmed Rubia the wolf's courage increased. It rushed towards Rubia. Instead of moving back Rubia also charged at the wolf.

While running she took out the handgun and started shooting at the wolf. Out of five, one bullet blasted the right head of the wolf and one hit its shoulder but the others missed. She threw the empty gun at the wolf, who easily dodged it. She was completely exhausted and only holding onto her consciousness with sheer willpower.

The examiners also thought that she was going to fail just by looking at her. Even Farmount got ready to rush ahead when required, but looking at Rubia's bright eyes he felt that there was no need.

Even with its one head gone, seeing its mortal enemy on the verge of collapse the wolf pounced on Rubia. In order to dodge the wolf Rubia lowered her body and slid on the floor while running. She noticed that its right leg was about to hit her face. She blocked it with her left hand, which was seriously cut.

After evading the life threatening situation Rubia glanced at Farmount and gave a faint smile. Her initial plan was to drag out the fight as long as she could before dealing the killing blow but her body forced her to make this new one. When she tried to get up her legs gave out. All the accumulated fatigue hit her at once. She was not able to hold out any longer and fell down unconscious. Farmount hurriedly rushed towards her.

Outside the Dome the examiners were talking with each other. The timer had hit exactly ten minutes. Rubia had barely passed the 'Special Combat Assessment'. However before they could give the final result Sofia pointed out "The wolf isn't moving".

"What do you mean" asked one examiner.

"It hasn't moved a single step since landing".

They all stared at the wolf which was standing still like a statue. After a few seconds it fell down with its eyes closed. A handle of a knife was visible at the spot above its heart. Without a doubt it was dead. No matter how strong its regeneration was it cannot heal a punctured heart.

One of them glanced at Farmount carrying the unconscious Rubia and complimented "I have to commend her for exceeding all of my expectations and passing in the most unpredictable manner."

"Nearly all of those who incapacitated the monsters today gave better performance than her", countered another one.

"Its true that she isn't an Exceed. else she would have been stronger than most of them. Both siblings are insanely talented but are limited by strong bloodlines. Sometimes strength is also a curse." the first examiner sighed in a melancholic voice. The others also nodded their heads in agreement.

Red's POV

After travelling for two weeks Red had finally reached his destination. He was in the back alleys of Tule, one of the seven major cities of Gnosis. His accomplice, who he later learned was a young girl named Lara, was leading the way. She didn't speak much except when necessary and was adept at everything. A perfect companion for him, who also hated useless chatting and valued efficiency.

The security of Tule was very slack when compared to Noir. He had sneaked into the city nearly three hours ago but had not seen a single guard. The back alleys of such a city were the perfect hiding place for outlaws. And also perfect for travelling unnoticed.

After passing through several narrow paths and alleys they arrived in front of a small weapon store. Lara knocked five times on the store's door in a rhythmic manner. After waiting for a minute an old lady opened the door.

"What do you want" she inquired.

"Two daggers" replied Lara.

"Anything else?".

"Some old swords".

"My eyesight has degraded. You can come in and take what you want. The oldest swords are placed at the back of the room."

"Ok" Lara went inside the store and signalled to Red to follow her.

The old woman closed the store's door and followed after them. The back room of the store was completely empty. The old woman went to the floor and pressed her Digi-watch against the floor. The watch gave a faint light and the sound of gears turning was heard. Soon an opening appeared in the floor. There were stairs leading down.

Lara nodded at the woman and started to descend the stairs. Red followed after her. At the end of the stairs there was a secret tunnel. They continued to follow the tunnel for nearly a hour before stumbling upon a metal door. Lara knocked on the door three times with a different rhythm.

Soon the door opened and a girl dressed in completely black, including a mask to cover her face, appeared. She seemed pleased to see Lara and welcomed them both inside. Red observed that the interior of this place was like a small house.

"She is waiting in the room above the stairs", the disguised woman told Lara.

Lara nodded at her. She led Red to the room above the stairs.

Before they opened the door they heard a voice from inside, "Wait a minute. I am readying myself".

Lara and Red glanced at each other and stood outside the room. After a minute the metal door automatically opened. The whole room was dark except for the light of a lamp placed on the table. A woman wearing a veil was sitting at one side of a table. She signalled Red to sit at the other side of the table.

Red seated himself opposite to her. Lara went and stood behind her.

The woman removed her veil. Her face was covered by a veil of mist but her pointed ears were visible. Her long blonde hair were nearly touching the floor.

"Shall we reintroduce ourselves. My name if Lena Nightshade." Lena said extending her hand.

Although Red was surprised he did not let it show on his face. It was not impossible for elves to be here. He shook the Lena's hand and replied, "Red Lapis".

"Before we begin I would like to ask. Will you truly not regret it? Your decisions don't affect only you alone but also those around you." the veiled woman asked in a serious voice.

"I'm pretty sure we are not here to discuss those things. I will help you and you will give me what I want. No more no less" Red answered in an emotionless voice.

"Just remember my last advice. You are going against the flow of destiny. After today even I would not be able to predict what will happen with you",

Red gazed at the pendant around his neck containing the image of his family and nodded his head with a serious expression.

Lena threw a Digi-watch at Red, "You destroyed yours so take it as a sign of friendship."

Soon they began discussing more about the details of the deal. It was the first step Red had taken which will slowly change the world.