The Fangwolf Pack
The forest had fallen into a heavy, unnatural silence. Only the occasional rustle of leaves betrayed movement, but Kael's instincts told him that danger was closer than it appeared. Lysar moved beside him like a shadow, silent, alert, his staff pulsing with faint blue energy.
> [System Alert: Multiple hostile entities detected. Level: Green-Blue]
Kael's grip tightened around the broken spear. His muscles were sore from the previous night, but the System hummed insistently in his mind. Survival depended on precision, speed, and strategy—not raw strength.
"Stay close," Lysar whispered. "They hunt in packs. One alone isn't a threat, but together…"
Kael nodded. He had survived alone before, but now he understood the meaning of teamwork. His heart beat steadily, syncing with the faint rhythm the System provided.
Suddenly, a low, guttural growl echoed through the clearing. From the shadows, three Fangwolves emerged, larger and sharper than the one Kael had faced before. Their eyes glowed faint green, muscles rippling under thick, matted fur.
> [Host Survival Probability: 25%]
[System Recommendation: Utilize environmental advantage and partner coordination.]
Kael's mind raced. The first wolf lunged toward him, fangs bared. He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding a lethal bite, and felt the System nudge him.
> [Hint: Strike sequentially. Focus on the leader.]
Kael glanced at Lysar, who nodded imperceptibly. They moved in perfect sync, circling the pack. Kael feinted left, drawing the second wolf toward him, while Lysar summoned a sharp blue light from his staff, blinding the first wolf momentarily.
Kael lunged. Spear met flank. The wolf yelped and turned, but the leader—the largest of the three—snarled, leaping at Lysar.
> [System Warning: Leader level high. Tactics required.]
Kael felt his pulse quicken. The System suggested a risky move:
> [Use yourself as bait. Draw the leader into trap.]
Kael clenched his jaw. Risky was his specialty. He dashed forward, arms raised, drawing the leader's attention. The beast lunged. Kael rolled under its massive weight, feeling fur brush his skin, claws missing him by inches.
Lysar struck. The staff's energy pierced the wolf's side, sending it crashing into a tree. The ground shook, leaves scattering in every direction. Kael rolled to his feet, spear ready.
> [Reward: +7 Stat Points, Skill Unlocked: Reflex Enhancement]
The remaining wolves hesitated, sensing the power and coordination between Kael and Lysar. Kael seized the moment. He sprinted toward a fallen log and vaulted over it, kicking up dirt and leaves to disorient the pack.
Lysar followed, striking with precision, his staff glowing brighter with each movement. Together, they forced the wolves back, one by one, until only the leader remained. It glared at Kael with a chilling intelligence, muscles coiled for a final attack.
Kael felt the System's pulse in his mind.
> [Final Strike Sequence Initiated. Probability of success: 40%]
His mind went blank. Instinct took over. Every muscle, every reflex, every ounce of experience from his past life surged into motion. He feinted left, pivoted, and plunged the spear straight into the wolf's chest.
The leader collapsed. Silence fell, broken only by their ragged breathing.
Kael looked at Lysar, chest heaving. "We… survived."
Lysar smirked, brushing leaves from his cloak. "Barely. But that's why I chose you. You're not like the others."
Kael felt the System pulse once more. Blue light filled his vision, confirming the new stat gains and skills unlocked.
> [Achievement Unlocked: Fangwolf Pack Defeated]
[New Skill: Partner Assault Technique (Passive)]
[Experience: +1200]
Kael straightened, muscles aching, adrenaline still coursing through him. For the first time, he felt the weight of potential—not just survival, but power growing from effort.
> [Next Quest Available: Outskirts Guild Challenge]
The forest around them seemed calmer, almost respectful, as if acknowledging the two humans who had survived what should have been fatal. Kael glanced at Lysar, who simply nodded. No words were necessary.
The night had tested them—and they had survived. But Kael knew this was only the beginning. Bigger challenges waited, and the System was ready to push him further than ever before.