Birds chirped. The wind moved gently through the forest, sunlight breaking through the canopy like liquid gold.
It should've been a perfect day to travel.
Zen moved through the woods, senses sharp. The air was damp, thick with moss and soil. Every step felt like a whisper against the earth.
"Red, are we close yet? Or am I just wandering in circles?"
"You're heading the right way," Red's voice echoed lazily in his mind. "Another two hours and we'll reach the ridge."
"Great," Zen muttered. "Remind me to install a fast-travel function."
"Duly noted," Red replied. "Right after I install sarcasm detection. And maybe a spine upgrade — you'll need it."
Zen smirked and leapt to the next tree branch. From above, the forest stretched endlessly — waves of green fading into mist. Without Red's guidance, he'd be lost. Beast howls echoed faintly, but none too close.
Eventually, the sound of running water reached him. He veered toward it, landing beside a stream that shimmered like crystal under the sun.
He crouched, splashing his face with cold water.
"Perfect spot for a break," he said.
He boiled water, ate from his rations, and let the quiet settle.
Then—
Silence.
The birds stopped.
The breeze vanished.
The forest held its breath.
Red's tone sharpened.
"Zen… something's coming. Fast."
"Tch. Just when I was starting to enjoy myself."
"This isn't the time for jokes. Stay alert."
A low growl rolled out from the trees — grrrr...
The shadows shifted. A massive white wolf emerged, fur glistening like snow, eyes glowing red.
Majestic. Terrifying.
Its killing intent slammed into Zen like a wave.
"Red," Zen whispered. "What the hell is this thing?"
"Tempest Wolf," Red replied. "Wind-type elemental. Alpha class. Likely exiled. Be careful — this one's a storm wrapped in fur."
"Figures," Zen muttered, gripping his sword. "First real fight in a while, and I get a monster boss."
The wolf's muscles rippled, air swirling around its paws.
Predator met predator.
Then it lunged.
Zen met its claws mid-strike. The clash sent out a shockwave — ground cracked, wind burst outward.
He slid back, grinning despite himself.
The wolf growled, circling.
Zen's grip tightened. Dark mist formed around his hand. A blade of shadow extended, pulsing with blue aura.
"Alright, then," he muttered. "Let's dance."
They collided — claws against shadows, wind against darkness. The forest floor shattered with each strike.
Zen moved fast. The wolf moved faster.
Its fur bristled. The air twisted violently.
"Red, something's off!"
"Wind Slash incoming! Dodge or die!"
Invisible blades of wind tore toward him. Zen raised a shadow wall — some deflected, others pierced through.
Trees splintered like matchsticks.
"That… would've sliced me in half."
More slashes came. Zen ran, blades crashing into trunks, tearing them apart.
Suddenly — a flash of white.
The wolf struck from his blind spot.
Zen twisted, but a claw grazed his arm. Blood dripped.
"Tch—damn, that was close."
"Zen, focus! Its mana's building again!"
The wind gathered. Zen looked up.
The wolf's jaws opened, forming a sphere of compressed air, spinning violently.
"What the hell is that?!"
"High-tier Wind Blast! If it hits, you'll be scattered across the forest!"
Zen vanished into darkness — Shadow Step.
The orb struck.
Boom.
The explosion ripped through the clearing — trees snapped, earth split, leaves scattered like confetti.
Zen reappeared behind the wolf, panting.
"Alright… no more holding back."
Shadow energy burst around him like smoke. His sword glowed blue.
"First Form — Fall."
He lunged. The blade flashed like moonlight, crashing into the wolf.
Ground cracked. Deep gashes tore across its body.
The wolf roared, stumbling to one knee.
"Now…"
Zen raised his left hand. Shadows stirred, stretching like living things.
"Dance for me."
Hundreds of shadow spikes erupted — thunk, thunk, thunk — impaling the wolf from all directions.
Its howl turned into a gurgling cry.
Blood pooled. Steam rose.
Zen walked forward, eyes cold.
He raised his sword and swung.
The wolf's head fell with a dull thud.
Silence returned — heavier than before.
Zen stood, panting. Blood ran down his arm.
Adrenaline surged. His chest rose and fell.
He exhaled, smirking faintly.
"Fuck… that was dangerous," he muttered. "But damn… that was fun."
Red's voice chimed in, softer.
"You did great, Zen. Killing a Tempest Alpha at your level? That's rare."
Zen chuckled weakly — then froze.
A faint red glow pulsed from the wolf's corpse.
"Red… you seeing that?"
"I am," Red replied, suddenly excited. "Go check it out. I think you'll like what's inside."
Zen stepped forward, cautious.
The glow shimmered from the wolf's chest. He knelt, sliced through fur and blood — and found it.
A round crimson crystal, pulsing with mana.
"This… this is what I think it is, right?"
"Yes, Zen! That's a mana core! Drop rate's less than ten percent — even among a thousand kills."
Zen's shock turned into a grin.
"So… can I use it?"
"Not yet," Red said. "It's still raw. We need to purify it first — or it'll wreck your circuits."
Zen sighed.
"Of course. Good stuff always comes with a wait time."
He pocketed the crystal and sat beside the fallen beast.
The grass was painted red. The air thick with blood and wind.
He said nothing — just stared.
The thrill, the danger, the fear — all pulsed in his chest.
"You were strong," he murmured. "If I'd hesitated… you'd be the one standing."
The wind returned, brushing his hair like the forest exhaled.
"Red," Zen said quietly. "Looks like I'm getting used to this world."
"Maybe," Red replied. "But remember — it's getting used to you too."
Zen chuckled, stood, and slung his sword across his back.
"Guess the bandits can wait," he said with a half-smile. "That fight… was worth every drop of blood."
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