I woke up with a sense of anticipation. Yesterday had been all about preparing for what lay ahead, and today, I knew I needed a bit of luck. After a quick stretch, I opened the system panel, hoping for something useful from the *Gacha* draw.
"Let's see what you've got for me today," I murmured, navigating to the gacha option.
---
[System Panel: Gacha Draws]
*Spinning...*
The system randomizer whirred as I waited with bated breath. Finally, two icons appeared on the screen—my rewards.
[Draw 1: Strength Potion (Consumable)]
[Description:*A potion that temporarily increases the attack power of a contracted beast by 10% for 10 minutes.]
[Draw 2: Silver-Soul Herb (Consumable)]
[Description: A mystical herb that boosts spiritual energy absorption during meditation. Temporarily increases spiritual rank and aids in faster energy refinement.]
---
I smiled. The Strength Potion would be useful in the future, but it was the Silver-Soul Herb that caught my eye. Its ability to enhance spiritual energy refinement would help me ascend from the Awakened Rank. With a plan in mind, I called for my companion.
"Shadow, let's head out."
The sleek black bird flitted down from its perch, feathers shimmering as they caught the morning light. Together, we headed deeper into the forest for some training. But instead of peaceful practice, we found something far more dangerous.
---
As we ventured into a secluded clearing, I noticed movement ahead—a pack of wolves, large and fierce. I quickly opened the system panel to appraise them.
---
[Appraisal: Ironwolf (High-Iron Rank)]
[Traits: Strong Jaws, Fast Reflexes]
[Skills: Claw Strike, Bite, Howl]
[Appraissal: Ironwolf Alpha (Peak-Iron Rank)]
[Traits: Leader's Intuition, Ironhide]
[Skills: Alpha Roar, Crushing Bite, Iron Pelt ]
---
There were three wolves—a Peak-Iron Rank Alpha and two High-Iron Rank wolves. The Alpha was the real threat, with its iron-like hide that would make it difficult to bring down. I quickly knelt beside Shadow, whispering a plan.
"We'll take them by surprise. Focus on the weaker ones first. We need to eliminate them quickly before the Alpha reacts."
Shadow's eyes glowed with understanding as he melded into the shadows, his *Stealth* ability taking hold.
---
The two High-Iron wolves drew closer, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows. Shadow struck with blinding speed, emerging behind the first wolf and raking his talons across its side. His claws, imbued with dark energy, left a deep, unhealable wound, and the wolf collapsed with a howl of agony.
Before the second wolf could even react, Shadow was upon it, claws slicing across its throat in a swift, merciless attack. The shadow energy ensured the wound wouldn't close, and the wolf dropped to the ground, blood spilling from the fatal gash.
The two wolves were down in seconds, the element of surprise working perfectly in our favor.
---
But the Alpha wasn't so easily fooled. It growled, eyes glowing with fury as it assessed the situation. Its iron hide gleamed under the faint light as it charged toward us.
"Shadow, be careful!" I shouted as the Alpha lunged. Shadow darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the Alpha's massive claws. This beast was fast—too fast for Shadow to escape unscathed. The Alpha's sharp claws grazed his wing, sending him spiraling off balance.
The Alpha was relentless, its attacks powerful and calculated. Shadow's usual tactics weren't enough to break through its iron-tough defenses. We had no choice.
"Shadow, it's time. Use *Moonlight Strike!*"
---
High above, Shadow gathered the energy within him, the stored moonlight he had absorbed glowing brightly. A basketball-sized orb of condensed moonlight formed between his talons, shimmering with raw power.
The Alpha, sensing danger, charged toward me with terrifying speed, determined to end the fight. But Shadow was faster.
With a screech, Shadow hurled the moonlight orb at the charging Alpha. The impact was immediate, the orb slamming into the Alpha with a force that shook the ground. The concentrated energy pierced through the Alpha's iron hide, creating a gaping hole in its chest.
For a moment, the Alpha wolf stood frozen, its eyes wide with shock. Then, with a final, pitiful snarl, it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
Shadow landed beside me, his body trembling from the exertion. The *Moonlight Strike* had drained nearly all of his energy, but it had finished the fight in one devastating blow.
---
I knelt beside him, gently brushing my hand along his feathers. "You did it, Shadow. But we'll need to find a way to replenish your moonlight energy faster."
He chirped weakly, clearly exhausted but victorious.
---
As I stood up, feeling the weight of the battle lift, a slight disturbance in the air caught my attention. The once-calm spiritual energy of the forest shifted subtly, as if something—or someone—was approaching.
I tensed, my hand instinctively moving to the pouch where my remaining items were stored. Shadow, though tired, lifted his head, his eyes narrowing as he too sensed the disturbance.
Was it another beast? A rival? Or something else entirely?
The air around us felt charged with anticipation, hinting at an approaching challenge—one that might be even more dangerous than the pack of Ironwolves.