Chapter 139: B.E.A.S.T.

Tuesday, Day 60:

Zane did not immediately return to Earth. Instead, he visited Lysana and used the reward from killing the Flame Wolf to complete their deal. Under their agreement, Zane will come every day for the rest of the week, and Lysana will give him her and others’ sales records for the day. Both parties were happy, and Zane finally returned to Earth.

"Tuesday, August 8th — only six more days before hunting season," Zane uttered as he checked his phone. Next on the list was contacting friends and family: first his mother, Alisha, then Myk. The first two received texts, but he called Myk. Unfortunately, the latter’s phone was off, so he left a voice message.

A few seconds later, a wide smile spread across Zane’s face as he checked the secret Swiss Bank account: 27,800 USD. Without hesitating, he transferred the money to his tower bank account, then submitted the new dark web tasks; his bank account received another notification, raising the amount to $35,730. Putting on his hoodie, Zane visited an ATM to retrieve some cash before heading straight for Juan’s auto shop.

"You’re finally showing up? I thought you didn’t want this job anymore."

"I kind of found another job, so," Zane said.

Juan puffed out a smoke. "That explains a lot. Well, this place is always open for you if you need some extra cash."

"I appreciate it. Oh, here is the money I owe you."

Juan paused, but he still took the money and counted it. "It’s too much."

"The extra 500 is for all your help."

"A’ight. I’ll take it." Juan nodded. "You know where the key is."

Zane nodded. "Where is Julio?"

"He hasn’t come in yet."

"Did he go racing again? Whatever. You know where to find me."

"This kid looks different; he’s so confident now," Juan muttered as he watched Zane’s back.

The car needed some last-minute tune-up, so Zane decided to finish them today. His mind immediately entered a state of immense focus, and he didn’t notice that more than two hours had passed before he finished. He checked his phone and saw a text from Ali saying she would come by tonight, and a missed call from his mother. But no news from Myk. A brief call back to Mama Sarfowa revealed she only wanted to check on him and remind him she would be driving to West Virginia tonight; she’d agreed to stay in New York for a few days because of Ali, and now it was time to get back on the road.

"Kid, I left some tacos in the fridge for you," Juan said as Zane finally walked out of his station.

"Oh, thanks."

After grabbing the food, Zane approached Julio, who was lazing around on his phone with a serious expression. "What are you so serious?"

"I’m trying to see if I can join BEAST."

"Join what?"

"Bureau of Extraordinary Agents and Supernatural Taskforce — didn’t you see the white house press conference? They are hiring people with powers."

Zane immediately checked online to watch the announcement. He then checked their website. BEAST was the new department that dealt with the transcendents Evans told him about. As the latter said, the US government wants to recruit every transcendent possible, with a signing bonus of 100,000 USD or 100 magic crystals, and a weekly salary of $15,000. Additionally, agents do not have a fixed income; the agency operates like a guild, with tasks and a reward system. More importantly, this bureau was open to individuals worldwide. Anyone from the tower — even if not a US citizen — can sign up, and they will receive a visa to immigrate to the United States.

"They’re not even hiding it," Zane thought, thinking of the name. Although he didn’t know why his mother and others in the shaman world despised America’s [Beast], he would listen to them and not get involved. And as he scrolled through the website, he found more reasons not to join. According to the website, B.E.A.S.T. has the right to enlist its members in military operations.

"The tower currently prevents recruits from attacking each other or harming regular individuals unless their lives are in danger, but those rules won’t remain in effect for long." Zane has predicted that the current situation of the recruits is a transitional period, and once they are capable or powerful enough, the tower will slowly release the reins; it will also end its protection — and that’s when the chaos will begin.

Julio sighed. "I can’t find any news that they are hiring normal people."

"Why do you want to join?"

"To increase my odds of joining the tower."

Zane nodded, not telling him that B.E.A.S.T. had no relationship with the tower, so joining would not help. However, Julio was only 25, so there was still a chance to be recruited as a second-generation trainee; the only issue was whether he had the talent. Zane patted Juli’s shoulder before walking to Juan and handing him a list.

"You want to build a new motor for the car?"

"That’s right."

"All of these would cost at least 4 grand — that’s twice the car’s value."

"I know."

"Kid, how you gonna pay?"

"I’ll give you half today, and the rest after the parts arrive."

Juan looked at him intensely. "Where did you get this money? You’re not doing anything illegal, are you? If it’s not too late, stop now."

"Don’t worry; it’s legit." Zane raised his left hand to show him the soul crest. Although mana wasn’t visible to regular people, the soul crest could be manifested and displayed.

"I knew something was different about you," Juan sighed. "You should be careful. Most people see all the money and power of these tower people, but they ignore the danger."

"I will."

The car was perfectly functional, but the engine was old, and Zane would feel more reassured driving it after an upgrade. So, after leaving everything to Juan, he hopped in the car and drove home.

"It’s been so long," Zane thought as the air hit his face through the open window. He sniffed the summer breeze, felt the heat on his skin, and took in all the chaotic sounds of the city. The last car he had driven as his own was more than six years ago. For Americans, a car represents independence and coming of age. For many other countries, a car is a sign of financial freedom. For Zane, it was both.

The past year of rebuilding his life has been suffocating. With every rejection, every failed interview, every picture of his old classmate’s success, every sleepless night, every eye of pity from friends and family, his world slowly became smaller, narrower, and less hopeful. But today, Zane felt alive. This old cutlass might be an outdated and cheap car, but to him, it meant more; it was the start of something new, the beginning of a brighter future — a rebirth. Every story of success has a beginning; Zane’s started with the tower, and this car is the first sign of progress.

"I got a little carried away," Zane thought as he parked the car about two blocks from his apartment. The walk back took only a few minutes, and he used the time to check the web. Besides the US, other countries also established their own agencies. China has the Dragon Division; the UK created the Round Table; and Russia has the TKGB.

And that was just the tip of the iceberg of the tower’s influence on Earth. Gold prices were rising at an alarming speed. China announced it will start teaching Gremorian in a few key cities this upcoming school year, with a two-year plan to make it mandatory for all citizens. Two Korean Pop Stars revealed their status as recruits. Three Shamans in Ethiopia build water wells to save their villages. A knight and mage who went viral a few days ago were invited to the Ellen Show.

"The world is truly changing," Zane sighed.