The forest grew darker as the group ventured deeper, the towering trees weaving a dense canopy that blotted out the late afternoon sun. The underbrush thickened, and the air grew cooler. By now, even seasoned hunters and lumberjacks would hesitate to tread these paths, letting the forest reclaim what had once been frequented by humans.
"Don't you think it's time to head back?" Viola Rosemary broke the silence, her voice calm but edged with concern. "We've hunted enough for today. It'll be dark soon, and pushing further in is too dangerous."
Her sister, Primula, nodded in agreement, clutching the hem of Viola's sleeve. "She's right. There are stronger monsters in these parts. It's better to turn back now."
But Cedric Eberun, the self-assured leader of their group, refused to listen. "No way. We're not done yet," he snapped, his red hair catching the fading light as he pressed on. "Just a little further. I want to fight one more monster."
Viola sighed, her patience wearing thin. "This isn't about hunting, is it? You just want to show off."
Cedric turned, his expression tightening with frustration. "You don't understand. I'm doing this for all of us. Don't you want to see me defeat something amazing? It's not just for me—it's for you, too!"
His friends, two boys from baronial families, hesitated. They exchanged uneasy glances, but neither dared contradict Cedric directly.
"Come on, Cedric," one of them ventured cautiously. "Viola has a point. We're pretty far in already…"
"Yeah," the other added. "What if something goes wrong? It's not like we've got real backup out here."
"Stop being cowards!" Cedric barked. "I'm the best mage here, aren't I? Nothing's going to happen as long as I'm around!"
Ignoring their protests, Cedric marched deeper into the forest, leaving the others no choice but to follow.
"Viola…" Primula whispered, tugging her sister's sleeve again. "Should we just turn back? If we leave them—"
"No," Viola replied with a quiet shake of her head. "It's too late now. If we leave, we'll be just as vulnerable as they are. We'll stay close, but we'll be ready to act if anything happens."
The sisters fell in step behind the boys, their unease growing with every step.
The group came to a sudden halt when a large wolf emerged from the shadows ahead. Its coat shimmered like polished silver, and its golden eyes glinted in the dim light.
"Whoa," Cedric muttered, his lips curling into a grin. "Now this is more like it. A real trophy."
"Wait!" Viola stepped forward, alarm flaring in her voice. "Cedric, don't attack it! That's no ordinary wolf!"
But Cedric, blinded by ambition, ignored her. Raising his short rod, he shouted, "[Wind Blade]!"
A slicing gust of magic struck the wolf, cutting into its side. The creature let out a sharp yelp and collapsed, blood pooling beneath its trembling body.
"Yes!" Cedric crowed triumphantly. "Got it in one shot. I'm going to have this thing mounted on my wall."
"Cedric, stop!" Viola cried, her voice frantic. "That's a juvenile White Fenrir! If you kill it, its parent—"
"GRRRRRRRRRRRR!"
A deafening roar cut her off, reverberating through the forest like a thunderclap. The ground shook, and trees groaned as something massive tore through the underbrush.
The group froze as an enormous wolf burst into view, its silver fur gleaming like moonlight. It stood as tall as an elephant, its golden eyes blazing with fury.
"A White Fenrir," Viola whispered, her voice trembling. "The mother…"
The monster's gaze swept over the group, landing first on its injured offspring. With a snarl, it turned its wrath toward Cedric.
"W-Wait!" Cedric stammered, his bravado crumbling as he stumbled backward. "I-I didn't know! It was just—"
The Fenrir lunged, its paw striking him like a battering ram. Cedric flew through the air, crashing into a tree with a sickening thud before crumpling to the ground.
"Cedric!" one of his friends screamed, but the Fenrir turned on them next. A single swipe of its massive paw sent both boys sprawling, leaving them groaning in the dirt.
"Viola!" Primula clung to her sister, her voice breaking. "What do we do?"
Viola's mind raced. The Fenrir, though fearsome, was clearly injured—its back legs dragged slightly, and its coat was matted with blood. It must have fled here from a fight in the northern regions where it typically roamed.
"They're intelligent," she whispered, trying to steady her voice. "Maybe… maybe if we apologize and explain ourselves, it'll let us go."
She stepped forward cautiously, raising her hands. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm so sorry for what happened to your child. We didn't mean to hurt it. Please… please let us leave."
The Fenrir snarled, its golden eyes fixed on her. It lowered its head, muscles tensing as it prepared to pounce.
Viola and Primula clung to each other, frozen in fear.
"Primula," Viola whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so sorry."
"Sis…"
The Fenrir lunged.
"[Wind Ball]!"
A sudden burst of magic struck the Fenrir's side, sending it toppling sideways with a surprised yelp.
"What…?" Viola turned toward the source of the spell, her wide eyes landing on a boy emerging from the trees.
He looked to be their age, his black hair disheveled and his clothes worn but sturdy. Despite his unassuming appearance, his gaze was sharp and steady, and he held his hand aloft, ready to cast another spell.
"Geez," the boy muttered, shaking his head as he approached. "Cedric really doesn't know when to stop, does he?"
"Who…?" Viola began, but the boy cut her off with a wry smile.
"Don't worry," he said, his tone calm and reassuring. "I'll handle this. Just stay behind me."
He turned back toward the Fenrir, who was already recovering, its golden eyes locked onto him now.
"Sorry for the trouble my brother caused," the boy said, his voice carrying across the clearing. "But I'm afraid you'll have to deal with me instead."
Viola and Primula watched in stunned silence as the boy stepped forward, his posture relaxed but his presence commanding.
Rest Eberun had arrived.
4o