Chereads / Quadruple System: Are 4 Systems enough to rule the Universe? / Chapter 29 - Chapter 29: Hunt in the Forgotten Forest

Chapter 29 - Chapter 29: Hunt in the Forgotten Forest

Orion stepped through the portal, leaving the bustling city behind as he entered the Forgotten Forest Dungeon. The atmosphere shifted dramatically, enveloping him in the dense, verdant embrace of an ancient forest. The air was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal calls, creating an ambiance that was both serene and foreboding.

Amid the forest's deceptive tranquility, Orion paused to strategize. Unlike typical dungeons where the boss remained in a designated chamber, the Alpha Wolf in this forest was a roving predator, its whereabouts unpredictable. This required a dynamic approach to tracking and engagement. Orion knew he had to rely on his stealth and agility, as well as his keen senses, to track the elusive creature.

Orion moved through the forest with a silent grace, his eyes scanning the environment for signs of the Alpha Wolf. The forest was a labyrinth of natural beauty, with sunlight filtering through the thick canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. He remained on high alert, knowing that danger could lurk behind every tree and bush.

His journey through the forest soon led to encounters with its inhabitants. A pack of mana wolves, attracted by his presence, emerged from the underbrush, their eyes glowing with a feral hunger. Orion engaged swiftly, his crystal dagger flashing in the dappled light as he dispatched them with precise strikes.

[ Experience Gained: 30 ]

[ Drop Acquired: Wolf Pelts ]

[ Experience Gained: 30 ]

[ Drop Acquired: Wolf Pelts ]

[ Level Up: Level 6 Achieved ]

[ Experience Gained: 30 ]

[ Drop Acquired: 2 Wolf Fang ]

Upon receiving the notification of his level up and the accompanying free stat points, Orion contemplated his next move. He assessed his current capabilities, considering the balance of his skills as both an awakener and a cultivator. With his physical stats already at a formidable level, thanks to his cultivation practices, he decided to reserve the allocation of his free stat points for a more strategic moment.

Continuing deeper into the forest, Orion found traces of the Alpha Wolf's presence – a disturbed patch of earth here, a broken branch there. Each clue was a piece of the puzzle, leading him closer to his quarry. He moved with purpose, his every sense attuned to the natural world around him.

The confrontation with the Alpha Wolf and its pack was sudden and intense. Emerging from the shadows of the dense forest, the Alpha Wolf, larger and more formidable than its companions, stood before Orion, flanked by six mana wolves. The group exuded an aura of raw, natural power, their eyes glowing with a feral hunger.

Orion, without a moment's hesitation, engaged in combat. Utilizing his Shadow Step skill, he enhanced his speed to match the swift movements of the wolf pack. The battle quickly turned into a high-stakes dance, testing Orion's combat skills against the combined might and instincts of the Alpha Wolf and its pack.

The clash between the lone awakener and the predatory pack was fierce. Orion weaved through the attacks, his crystal dagger flashing in the dappled light as he countered the wolves' coordinated assaults. He strategically targeted the mana wolves first, diminishing the pack's advantage in numbers.

With swift and precise strikes, Orion managed to subdue the mana wolves, each falling to his calculated attacks.

After defeating a pack of six mana wolves, you gained 180 experience points and among the spoils were three wolf pelts, a hefty 2 pieces of mana wolf meat, and four sharp wolf fangs. 

Now facing the Alpha Wolf alone, Orion focused all his attention on the formidable creature. The battle raged on, with the Alpha Wolf showcasing its impressive strength and resilience. However, Orion's strategy and refined skills, honed through his adventures and encounters, gave him the edge he needed. Orion saw an opening. With a deft maneuver, he delivered a critical blow to the Alpha Wolf. The mighty creature let out a final, mournful howl before collapsing to the forest floor, signifying Orion's hard-fought victory.

[ Experience Gained: 75 ]

[ Drop Acquired: Alpha Wolf Pelt, Companion Contract: Mana Wolf ]

Among the rewards from the Alpha Wolf, Orion found an unexpected treasure - a Companion Contract: Mana Wolf. This rare item, allowing him to summon a companion to fight and live alongside him, was a testament to his luck. Companion Contracts were highly coveted, and even a companion as weak as a mana wolf was a valuable asset to any awakener.

Orion couldn't help but feel that his luck attribute had played a significant role in acquiring such a rare drop together with Alpha Wolf Pelt from very first kill. The Companion Contract opened up new possibilities for his adventures, providing him with potential aid and companionship in his future endeavors.

Orion, standing amidst the quiet of the forest, held the Companion Contract: Mana Wolf in his hand. The parchment, etched with intricate runes, pulsed with a faint energy. He knew that activating this contract would bind the creature to him as a loyal companion.

Without hesitation, Orion initiated the ritual to activate the contract. The air around him shimmered as the magic within the parchment came to life. A soft light enveloped the space before him, and from it emerged a level 1 mana wolf pup. The pup, with its bright, curious eyes and a coat that shimmered with a faint magical essence, looked up at Orion trustingly.

[ Companion Acquired: Level 1 Mana Wolf ]

Orion knelt down, gently patting the pup's head. He decided to name it Auf, a name that resonated with him. The pup wagged its tail, seemingly happy with its new name and the bond that was forming between them.

He realized that Auf, despite being just a pup, held great potential. As a mana wolf, it possessed innate magical abilities that would grow as it leveled up. Its presence would not only provide companionship but also aid in his future battles and adventures.

Orion tested the summoning and unsummoning process, ensuring he understood the mechanics of the contract. With a thought, Auf vanished into a wisp of magical energy, returning to the space within the contract. Another thought, and Auf reappeared, ready and alert. This ability to summon and unsummon Auf at will provided a versatile tool in Orion's arsenal.

With the addition of Auf to his journey, Orion felt a renewed sense of purpose. The bond with his new companion added another layer to his adventures, opening up possibilities he hadn't considered before. Auf, while only a level 1 pup, would grow and evolve, just as Orion had.

As Orion left the Forgotten Forest Dungeon, the Alpha Wolf Pelt secured and Auf by his side, he felt a sense of accomplishment. The successful hunt and the acquisition of the companion contract marked a new chapter in his life as an awakener.

After stepping out of the Forgotten Forest Dungeon with Auf by his side, Orion decided to take care of some practical matters. His first stop was at a nearby trading stall, where he planned to sell the drops he had acquired from the mana wolves. He presented the five wolf pelts, two pieces of mana wolf meat, and half a dozen wolf fangs to the trader and getting 600 credits.

Next, Orion, with Auf trotting beside him, made his way back to the Adventurers Guild to hand in his mission. The guild hall was bustling as usual, with awakeners coming and going, sharing tales of their quests. Orion approached the mission desk, where he presented the Alpha Wolf Pelt as proof of his successful hunt.

The guild officer, impressed by the quality of the pelt and the speed of Orion's completion, updated his record with the completion of the mission.

Orion's guild points tally updated, bringing him closer to his goal of achieving Bronze Rank.

With his business at the guild concluded, Orion decided to call it a day. He stepped out of the guild hall, the city's evening lights beginning to twinkle in the dusk. Auf, now a visible part of his journey, walked loyally at his side.