## **Chapter 2: New Bonds and New Beasts**
The forest had quieted after the clash with the Alpha Gang, but something in the air told me danger lingered. Diablos stood watch beside me as Max scanned the horizon with his Dino Holder.
"Alpha Gang won't give up that easily," Rex muttered, adjusting his glasses.
Zoe crossed her arms. "We need to stay ahead of them—especially if whoever you are keeps summoning *whatever that was* earlier."
I smirked and pulled up my holo-screen.
> **[System Update: 2nd Monster Summon Available]**
> **Summon Option Unlocked: Rathalos — King of the Skies.**
A faint crimson light began to swirl above us. With a deafening roar, Rathalos descended, broad wings kicking up clouds of dust. The D-Team stared in awe.
"That thing… could it help us fly?" Max asked.
"Not just fly." I grinned. "It can hunt—and protect."
Before we could enjoy the moment, a loud mechanical whine echoed through the forest. Black smoke trailed from something hovering above—a flying fortress.
I knew immediately: Alpha Gang had deployed their aerial assault unit. And they weren't alone.
A massive prehistoric predator leapt from their transport—a **Carnotaurus**, fitted with combat armor.
**The Battle Begins**
Diablos roared and charged at the Carnotaurus, while Rathalos took to the sky to intercept the fortress. I dashed forward, spear in hand, avoiding the Carnotaurus's snapping jaws.
Zoe moved to my side, drawing her own energy whip. "We take it down together!"
Her determination almost made me forget we were surrounded by danger.
We fought in perfect sync—my spear striking to distract, her whip catching the armored plates to expose weak points.
A burst of fire from Rathalos above tore through the fortress engine, sending the Alpha Gang retreating once again.
**Aftermath and Connection**
As the dust settled, Max and Rex handled the freed dinosaurs, returning them to safety. Rathalos landed nearby, folding its wings.
Zoe stepped closer, looking up at me. "I've gotta admit… whatever your deal is, you fight like you've been doing this forever."
I laughed softly. "Guess when your first day on the job throws you into a dinosaur war, you get motivated."
Her gaze lingered for a moment longer—there was a spark there, the first glimmer of something beyond teamwork.
**System Notification**
> **[Bond Level Increased: Zoe — Tier 1]**
> **Harem Progress Unlocked: Trust Foundation Established**
I blinked at the odd message. The system apparently tracked relationships… and "harem" wasn't a word I expected to see today.
Rex called from across the clearing. "We've got a signal—another dinosaur in trouble. And the Alpha Gang's moving fast."
I looked at Zoe, Diablos, and Rathalos. "Then let's move. This war's just getting started."
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**End of Chapter 2**