The forest was quiet.
Too quiet.
Kai moved carefully between the trees, Fang padding beside him. Though the wolf pup was small, its senses were sharp ears twitching, nose low to the ground.
Kai felt it too.
This world was dangerous.
Three figures emerged from the underbrush.
Green skinned creatures with crooked bodies and crude stone weapons.
Name: Forest Goblin
Rank: F
Threat Level: Low (Solo) / Moderate (Group)
"Goblins Kai muttered.
In his old world, three goblins would've meant death for a beginner.
Now.
He looked down at Fang.
You ready.
Fang let out a low growl.
Command: Engage]
Go.
Fang burst forward.
The goblins shrieked in surprise as the small wolf moved faster than expected. Fang leapt, claws raking across one goblin's leg, knocking it down.
The other two swung wildly.
Kai felt something strange.
Information.
Instinct.
Kai could see through Fang's eyes.
Angles. Timing. Weak points.
Left now.
Fang twisted mid-motion, dodging a club that smashed into the dirt. The wolf countered, sinking its teeth into the goblin's arm.
The creature screamed.
Kai grabbed a fallen branch and struck the third goblin across the head. It wasn't clean but it worked.
Moments later, the forest fell silent.
Fang staggered back, panting.
Then.
Light erupted from his body.
Shadow Wolf Fang Level 4
Kai's eyes widened.
That fast.
The system wasn't done.
Do you wish to initiate Evolution?]
Kai hesitated for half a second.
Yes.
Fang howled.
Dark energy wrapped around the wolf, shadows stretching unnaturally across the ground. His body grew larger, muscles tightening, fur turning pitch-black with faint violet streaks.
When the light faded, Fang stood taller, eyes glowing faint silver.
Shadow Wolf to Shadow Dire Wolf
Rank: D
New Skills Acquired:
Shadow Step (Short range instant movement)
Night Fang (Damage increases in darkness)
Kai stared in disbelief.
"From F rank to D rank in one hunt.
That was impossible.
Tamers spent years raising beasts to C rank rank.
Kai reached out.
Fang lowered his head and pressed it against Kai's chest.
Bond Level: High
The system chimed again.
Rewards Granted:
Beast EXP x300
Skill Unlocked: Beast Empowerment (Lv. 1)
Temporarily boosts contracted beast's stats based on Tamer's will.
Kai exhaled slowly.
"This is broken.
Then.
The ground trembled.
A deep, heavy roar echoed through the forest.
Fang stiffened, fur bristling.
High Rank Beast Detected
Estimated Rank: C
Kai looked toward the sound.
A massive silhouette moved between the trees.
His instincts screamed danger.
Then the system delivered one final message.
Quest: Predator's Trial
Condition: Survive or defeat the forest's alpha
Failure: Death
Success Reward: Rare Beast Egg
Kai smiled slow, calm, unafraid.
"So this world really wants to test me."
He clenched his fist.
"Fang."
The dire wolf's eyes burned with shadow.
"We don't run."