STRIKER: Independent Beast Tamer

5th Zone, City A

Jeremy Night was surprised by Catherine Rosewood’s presence here. He thanked her for remembering his help, but right now, he had other work to do.

So, he made an excuse, and when the takeaway order arrived, he paid the bill and left the place with Sister Melinda.

Catherine Rosewood was disappointed, but she knew the reason. The reason could be related to her father and a few friends back at Central University 5.

Slowly, Jeremy Night was starting to make a name for himself. To be honest, she didn’t want to hinder his growth. She genuinely considered him her friend.

If not for him, she would have died in battle. She watched his retreating back and thought of the Red Moon Chamber.

She had considered joining the Red Moon Chamber, but that idea was ruined by her father.

The difference in background did play a role here. Even if she was willing, the others in the group wouldn’t be.

In particular, she thought of Jessie Boone. She knew the bad blood between her and Jeremy Night had been created by him.

Sigh!

With a sigh escaping her lips, she returned to the table and joined her group of friends. Her friends were looking at her with questioning gazes.

They had seen a male and a female Beast Tamer, but they didn’t recognize them.

"Hey, who was that person?" a young man with a slight slouch asked.

"Yes, Catherine. Who were they?"

"Were they your family friends?"

One by one, her female friends asked. They really didn’t recognize the pair. No one at the table recognized them. Everyone was now looking toward Catherine.

Catherine was surprised. After that famous Beast Tide, Jeremy Night had become famous. Everyone knew about his contribution, yet her friends didn’t recognize him.

She then smiled and agreed.

"Yes, they are not family friends, but I fought alongside them during the Beast Tide," Catherine said to them.

Silence!

Hearing that, everyone quieted down. They hadn’t expected a serious answer from her, but now everyone believed her.

Apart from the university campus, the only place where anyone could make a genuine friend was the battlefield.

Catherine saw everyone’s reaction. She had wanted this exact reaction. No one could question her now.

Seeing that the atmosphere had become serious, she changed the topic and began to chat with her friends.

20 minutes later,

The cab stopped in front of the hospital, and both of them exited. Jeremy then paid the fare to the driver.

The cab driver accepted it and left. When Jeremy turned around, he saw Melinda looking into his eyes.

"Why don’t you talk to her?" Melinda asked.

Jeremy stopped and said, "I saved her life during my last battle here. She might be feeling grateful. Not only that, but I don’t want any trouble right now. I came here to meet my parents, and I’m not without problems back at the special base."

His tone sounded serious; he was not making an excuse. They had survived a Tier-9 Beast King threat. If not for the Lords from the Human Alliance, they would have died.

Melinda’s eyes flashed with understanding. She was just asking casually. Then, they both started heading toward the elevator.

5 minutes later,

Jeremy and Melinda entered the room. Ron and Nora Night were awake, chatting and laughing with each other.

Upon seeing Jeremy Night and Melinda, they were happy.

Jeremy gave them the takeaway food. They were able to eat solid food now.

While eating, Ron started asking questions as a father. He wanted to know what his son had been up to.

Jeremy knew what this was about. He immediately said, "Don’t worry, Dad. I will return soon. I just want to make sure both of you are alright."

Hearing that, Ron fell silent, pondering.

Nora interjected, saying, "The Beast Tide is over. We are fine right now. You can go back to the special base. You must have other important work."

Jeremy smiled. How could he tell his parents that it was no ordinary Beast Tide, but purely man made?

And the improved Beast Powder had already been placed by the Darkshade members. Another Beast Tide could occur at any time.

But he didn’t show any emotion on his face.

On the other hand, Melinda was trying hard to keep her face neutral. She knew about the improved Beast Powder as well.

It was a sharp sword hanging above their heads.

"Don’t worry, Mom. I will leave soon," Jeremy said to her. But he had made up his mind to stay here until the problem was resolved.

He couldn’t leave with another Beast Tide looming nearby.

...

City Lord’s Office

City Governor Martin was expecting a response from the higher-ups in the Human Alliance.

Since that disaster was man made, it was their responsibility to eradicate the Darkshade members.

He was not naive. He knew about the backer behind the Darkshade Organization. The backer was someone even he had to respect.

He only knew that the backer had connections with the Human Alliance. That was why he hadn’t immediately touched them.

But if the higher-ups in the Human Alliance didn’t take action soon, another Beast Tide might occur.

Who knew which beasts might appear? He wouldn’t be surprised if more than one Tier-9 Beast was attracted by the improved Beast Powder.

Buzz!

Right then, he received a call. Martin picked up the device and saw that the caller was none other than Head Harold.

He answered the call right away.

Before Head Harold could ask anything, Martin said, "Head, I know why you called me. I am also waiting for a response from the Human Alliance."

"But there has been no response so far. It’s making things even more difficult. So, I’m going to form a party to observe the wilderness tonight. You should join as well."

"If there is any higher-tier beast movement, we will eliminate them," Martin quickly finished saying.

To that, Head Harold didn’t give much of a response, but he agreed.