"Place your hands on my head, particularly on the red mark, and close your eyes," the wolf instructed.
Mammon followed the directions, shutting his eyes. Immediately, he felt a shift, finding himself in a vast, dark chamber. Confused, he wondered what he was supposed to do when he began to hear faint, rhythmic thumping sounds. He moved towards the noise, each step echoing in the darkness.
Eventually, he reached the source, a mid-sized, pulsating ball of orange flame, radiating warmth and life. He instinctively knew it was the essence of the wolf. Tentatively, he reached out and touched the flame. A rush of power coursed through him, electrifying and almost overwhelming.
On the outside, the red mark on the wolf's head pulsed with a blinding light, mirrored by a similar mark that appeared on Mammon's right forearm. His body underwent a rapid transformation, half of his hair turned a fiery orange, two wolf-like ears sprouted from his head, his nails lengthened into sharp claws, and a glowing, sun-like orb hovered above him.
He opened his eyes, marvelling at his altered form before checking his updated stats.
Status:
Name: Mammon (Partial Meld with Magical Beast)
Race: Half-Elf
Class: ???
Stats:
HP: 9'500(+7'200)
MP: 7'250(+6'500)
Stamina: 200(+150)
Strength: 20 Agility: 25 Constitution: 30 Dexterity: 20
Wisdom: 20 Intelligence: 35
Attack Power (Str): 55 Attack Power (Agi): 60 Magic Attack Power: 45
Luck: 0
Available stat point: 0
Available skill point: 0
Mental Condition: Normal
Physical Condition: Normal
Skills Gained: Meteor Blitz (Active), Ember Burst (Active), Ashen Cloak (Active)
Mammon quickly skimmed through the descriptions of his new skills.
Meteor Blitz (Active): You call down a massive flaming meteor that explodes on impact, setting the surrounding area ablaze. 150% Initial damage. Mana cost: 3'500.
Ember Burst (Active): You can fire a cluster of small embers that explode on contact, dealing burn damage over time. Mana Cost per Ember: 500.
Ashen Cloak (Active): You have the ability to turn your body into ash for a short time, allowing you to dodge incoming attacks. Mana Cost: 2'000.
---
Mammon examined his newly acquired skills, a sense of exhilaration bubbling within him. The timing was perfect. The black wolf, furious at being outmaneuvered, charged with renewed ferocity. But this time, Mammon was ready.
Just as the wolf's claws were about to tear into him, Mammon effortlessly caught its paw, Mammon looked up at the wolf and grinned like a maniac, the wolf tried to break free, but Mammon's newfound strength held firm. Concentrating his power, he forced his fingers deeper into the wolf's flesh, igniting it from within. The black wolf let out a pained howl.
The black wolf managed to free itself, fear flashing in its eyes. It turned to flee, but the white wolf was prepared. Flames erupted, creating an inescapable ring around the black wolf.
Mammon seized the opportunity and whispered, "Meteor Blitz."
The sky above darkened as a colossal meteor, wreathed in flames, hurtled down. It struck with a deafening explosion, sending shockwaves through the clearing.
*-9,900!*
*-10* *-10* *-10* *-10*
The black wolf's health drained at an astonishing rate. Cornered, it glared at Mammon, a dangerous glint in its eyes.
"You've ruined everything! I would have become the next female alpha if not for you. If I'm going down then I'm taking you with me!" it roared, a final act of fury driving it forward.
With one last burst of speed, the wolf lunged. Mammon reacted instantly, activating Ashen Cloak. His body dissolved into ash, evading the deadly strike. Reforming behind the wolf, he didn't hesitate, he jumped and plunged the Cinderblade deep into its skull.
The internal burning effect triggered, and the wolf howled in agony as its brain ignited.
The wolf's body went limp, and Mammon dismounted, victorious.
*Ding!*
You have helped in killing a black giant magical wolf (Special)(Lvl 35). 7,500 Exp awarded for contribution (Bonus 150% for kill three tiers higher) (55% damage done). Level up! Level up! Level up! You are now level 4. From leveling: you gained 4 skill points, 4 free Attribute points, and all Attributes increased by 4.
Mammon's triumph was bittersweet. The wall of flame surrounding the white wolf died down as Mammon approached.
"Thank you, Mammon," the white wolf said softly, its voice calm like the ocean.
"Let me take you to my village. Maybe they can save you." Mammon pleaded.
But the white wolf's smile was sad, already at peace with its fate.
"It's too late. Minutes ago, it might have been possible, but now it's not. My journey ends here."
Tears streamed down Mammon's cheeks. Although their encounter had been brief, he felt a deep bond with the wolf. It had given him a sacred sword and lent him power when he needed it most. He raised the sword to offer it back, but the wolf refused.
"It's yours now. Keep it safe."
The transformation faded, and Mammon reverted to his former self. He carefully stored the sword, feeling the weight of its legacy.
"There's one last thing," the wolf added, voice barely a whisper. "In the black wolf's head, there's an item you'll find useful. Take it."
He followed the white wolf's advice and approached the black wolf's fallen body, feeling a mix of curiosity and sorrow. With careful precision, he used the blade to slice open the head of the corpse, exposing a small, radiant white orb nestled within.
The orb seemed to pulse faintly with a soft, internal glow, almost as if it held some hidden life force.Mammon reached in and gently pulled the orb out, feeling a surprising warmth emanating from it.
Intrigued, he tried to inspect the object through the system interface, hoping for some clue about its nature or purpose, but nothing appeared—no stats, no descriptions, nothing. It was a complete mystery. He frowned, puzzled by the system's silence, and rolled the orb over in his palm, wondering if it might hold a secret he had yet to uncover.
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A/N: I'm sorry for the editing in the previous chapter, I've been so busy, I'll try to improve henceforth.
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